Hokkaido University researchers find why some cells with doubled DNA survive
The Story
Scientists at Hokkaido University discovered that the specific way a cell fails to divide — either by failing to split after DNA copying (cytokinesis failure) or by exiting division too early before chromosomes separate (mitotic slippage) — determines whether the resulting cell with doubled DNA survives, dies, or becomes cancerous. Cells from cytokinesis failure had more balanced chromosome distribution and higher survival rates, while mitotic slippage led to uneven chromosomes and lower viability.
Key Facts
- The study focused on whole genome duplication (WGD), a condition where a cell copies its DNA but does not split, leaving it with twice the normal amount of DNA.
- Researchers at Hokkaido University examined two causes of WGD: cytokinesis failure and mitotic slippage.
- In cytokinesis failure, the cell completes nearly all division but fails the final physical split. In mitotic slippage, the cell exits division early before chromosomes are properly separated.
- Using live cell imaging and chromosome-specific labeling, the team tracked cells after WGD through both mechanisms.
- Cells from cytokinesis failure were more stable and had a higher chance of surviving; cells from mitotic slippage showed uneven chromosome distribution and lower survival rates.
- Experimentally improving chromosome separation in mitotic slippage cells made them significantly more viable.
- The study suggests that targeting chromosome separation processes could help prevent abnormal cells from surviving and contributing to tumor recurrence.
- The findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on May 25, 2026.
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article.
Still Unclear
No open questions identified in the source article.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
- Associate Professor Ryota Uehara — corresponding author of the study, Hokkaido University
- Masaya Inoko — author listed on the journal paper
- Guang Yang — author listed on the journal paper
- Yuki Tsukada — author listed on the journal paper
Sources
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260523103908.htm — Primary Source
