Harvard University · BiologyMicrotubule Dynamics Research Unit
Timothy J Mitchison · Cambridge, Massachusetts
Research Focus
The Mitchison Lab at Harvard Medical School studies microtubules, which are essential structures in human cells that help with processes like cell division and neuron function. By using advanced imaging and biochemistry techniques, the lab aims to uncover how microtubules operate and interact in cells, and how they can be affected by diseases such as cancer and ALS. Their research could lead to new treatments for these conditions by targeting specific cellular mechanisms.
microtubulescell divisionbiochemistrydrug developmentALScancer researchneuron healthXenopus modelsStathmin proteins
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate microtubule dynamics during cell division using frog egg models.
AIM 02Analyze the mechanical interactions that ensure accurate cell division.
AIM 03Develop drugs that specifically target mitosis in glioblastomas.
AIM 04Study the chemical damage to tubulin and its implications in disease.
AIM 05Explore the protective role of Stathmin-2 in motor neurons.
Skills the Lab Values
microscopybiochemistrycell culturefluorescence imaginggenetic manipulationdrug screeningfrog egg modelsbiopsy analysisprotein characterization
Output against the department
Publications460top 9% of dept.93rd of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations53ktop 4% of dept.45th of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.