R. Kelly Dawe
Associate Professor of Plant Biology and Genetics
- Creative Research Medal, 2000
Kelly Dawe studies how plant chromosomes move in cells. In particular, his research focuses on the kinetochore, which is the organelle primarily responsible for chromosome movement. The kinetochore binds DNA at a specialized region called the centromere. The centromere/kinetochore complex is responsible for moving chromosomes during cell division and ensuring that genetic information is transmitted from generation to generation. By combining traditional genetic approaches, modern genomics resources and state of-the-art cell biological analysis, Dr. Dawe has developed the maize centromere/kinetochore as a model for understanding the structure and function of this cell component. He has helped advance knowledge to a point where it may be possible to develop artificial plant chromosomes. Such chromosomes hold great promise as the next generation vehicle for moving genes into crop plants. The implications of Dr. Dawe's work extend beyond maize to all organisms - even to humans - because errors in chromosome delivery can result with birth defects and cancer.
