ABSTRACT
First Person is a series of interviews with the first authors of a selection of papers published in Journal of Cell Science, helping early-career researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. Morgan Schrock is first author on ‘ MKLP2 functions in early mitosis to ensure proper chromosome congression’, published in JCS. Morgan is a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Matthew K. Summers at The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA, investigating antimitotic treatments for brain cancer.
Morgan Schrock
How would you explain the main findings of your paper in lay terms?
Mitosis is the process by which one cell becomes two. A key step within mitosis is the alignment of chromosomes at the center of the cell so that daughter cells inherit equal copies and numbers of chromosomes. In our article, we identify a new player, MKLP2, as a motor protein that helps chromosomes congress to the cell center. This was an unexpected finding because previous MKLP2 studies have focused on its function later in mitosis, at the onset of anaphase, but we have data to indicate that MKLP2 plays a critical function in early mitosis as well. We show that if MKLP2 is inactivated by a small molecule inhibitor or point mutation, cells are arrested in mitosis or have daughter cells with unequal numbers of chromosomes. This is a really exciting finding because it opens up an entirely new area of research for MKLP2, it helps improve our understanding of chromosome congression and it identifies MKLP2 inhibition as an antimitotic strategy for cancer treatment.
Were there any specific challenges associated with this project? If so, how did you overcome them?
There was one immunofluorescence experiment I just could not get to work. I must have tried for 4 months, and we finally decided to submit the manuscript without it. One of the reviewers, of course, asked for it, and I was convinced I would never get it to work for the resubmission either. I tried several different methods that didn't work, but my PI asked me to try one more time using a new method, and it worked! It was really satisfying to be able to include that data in the resubmission because it confirmed our hypothesis regarding the underlying mechanism of chromosome misalignment upon MKLP2 inhibition.
When doing the research, did you have a particular result or ‘eureka’ moment that has stuck with you?
We knew that cells with MKLP2 inhibition were arrested in mitosis with a chromosome alignment defect, but we were not sure whether it was due to a chromosome congression defect, where chromosomes cannot properly move to the center of the cell, or cohesion fatigue, where chromosomes are initially aligned at the center of the cell but eventually drift apart. It was wonderful watching the first movies of our live-cell imaging because you could very easily see that the chromosomes were never aligning in prophase. We instantly had the answer – no data analysis needed!
Why did you choose Journal of Cell Science for your paper?
We hope to publish a couple of stories regarding MKLP2, and this article focuses on the mechanistic aspect of our work. We chose Journal of Cell Science because we wanted a journal that would reach a broad audience of scientists with an interest in basic science. We were pleased with the quality of the comments that the reviewers raised and the timeliness of the review process.
Montage of images taken from live imaging experiments, depicting an individual cell undergoing mitosis with chromosome bridge apparent.
Montage of images taken from live imaging experiments, depicting an individual cell undergoing mitosis with chromosome bridge apparent.
Have you had any significant mentors who have helped you beyond supervision in the lab? How was their guidance special?
I am currently working on an NIH K99/R00 proposal, and there are two scientists within my department, Steve and Gina Sizemore, who both received ‘K’ career awards within the past 5 years and have been guiding me through the process. I am so thankful – because academic research has so many challenges, it really helps to have someone show you the ropes and offer encouragement on those difficult days.
What motivated you to pursue a career in science, and what have been the most interesting moments on the path that led you to where you are now?
I am fascinated by the biology that underlies human disease. Cancer is certainly a disease with many difficult-to-answer questions, and getting to the answers is not only scientifically rewarding but also beneficial to patients.
Who are your role models in science? Why?
Temple Grandin is an autistic scientist who has written several novels on animal behavior. She made observations about animal movements and reactions that helped her design safer and more efficient handling and restraint devices for animals. Her work has revolutionized the livestock industry. I am inspired by not only her scientific contributions, but also how she shines a spotlight on people with different abilities.
What's next for you?
I am still figuring out the next step, but I'm certainly keeping options open to set up my independent laboratory in academia.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that wouldn't be on your CV
I love to read. One of my favorite things is to receive book recommendations from people – it tells me so much about the person referring the book!
Morgan Schrock's contact details: Department of Radiation Oncology, Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center and Richard L. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
E-mail: [email protected]
