Research interest

 Our group is interested in the molecular mechanisms of cell division.

We are using a combination of genetics, live cell imaging and biochemical approaches. 

Recent Publications

Molecular basis for the activation of Aurora A and Plk1 kinases during mitotic entry.
Pillan A, et al EMBOJ (2026)

The MAST kinase KIN-4 carries out mitotic entry functions of Greatwall in C. elegans.
Roumbo L et al EMBO J (2025)

Dissecting the Multiple Functions of the Polo-Like Kinase 1 in the C. elegans Zygote.
Velez-Aguilera G*, Ossareh-Nazari B*, Pintard L. (*co-first authors). Methods Mol Biol. (2024)

Microtubule-binding domains in Katanin p80 subunit are essential for severing activity in C. elegans.
Beaumale E, et al. J Cell Biol (2024)

Mechanisms of nuclear pore complex disassembly by the mitotic Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK-1) in C. elegans embryos.
Nkombo Nkoula S*, Velez-Aguilera G*,  et al. Sci Adv. (2023)

Cortical microtubule pulling forces contribute to the union of the parental genomes in the C. elegans zygote.

Velez-Aguilera G. et al. Elife (2022)

Bora phosphorylation substitutes in trans for T-loop phosphorylation in Aurora A to promote mitotic entry

Tavernier N. et al. Nat Commun (2021)