The Gerton Lab studies chromosomes – the molecular structures made up of DNA and protein that provide the instructions for life. Defects in chromosome function underlie many human diseases such as cancer and birth defects. Using yeast and mammalian model systems as well as human cell lines and patient data, Gerton and her team are investigating groups of proteins responsible for chromosome upkeep.

One group of proteins studied in the Gerton Lab consists of the structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) proteins. Investigation of cohesin, an SMC complex subtype has provided a wealth of information in its role in chromosome organization.

Gerton initiated and co-organizes the ASBMB special symposium “Emerging roles of the nucleolus” to bring together researchers around this topic. The lab’s research may help provide a better understanding of and potentially new treatment approaches for human conditions such as Roberts Syndrome, Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, and cancers in which cohesin function is impaired.

Gerton has identified several factors that help the kinetochore, another protein complex located on the centromere of chromosomes. Her team is investigating how the loss of chromosome cohesion and other factors impact female reproductive aging.