India, Sept. 22 -- A new study from researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru and Universite Paris-Saclay reveals how a key enzyme called Aurora A helps cells pull off a genetic division.

Cells must carefully duplicate and divide its genetic material (chromosomes) equally, and then rebuild the nuclear envelope around the separated halves. If this process goes wrong, the resulting nuclei can be misshapen or disorganised - features often seen in cancer and ageing-related diseases.

The research team found that Aurora A plays a crucial role in ensuring that the spindle poles dissolve at the right time. Without this enzyme, the poles remain 'sticky', causing the chromosomes to bend awkwardly around them and leading to ...