image: Visualization of a cancer cell dividing using Hoechst stain that binds to genomic DNA in the cell nucleus. A STAG2-deficient cancer cell in the anaphase stage of mitosis can be seen in the center of the image with sister chromatids pulling apart into two daughter cells. An “anaphase bridge” – an abnormal separation of the chromosomes which leads to chromosomal breaks and aneuploidy – is present. Several interphase cells not in the process of dividing can also be seen. STAG2 is a component of the “cohesin complex” that regulates the cohesion of sister chromatids ensuring their faithful segregation during mitosis. Mutations of STAG2 were observed to lead to abnormal cell divisions such as the anaphase bridge pictured here. This image relates to an article that appeared in the Aug. 19, 2011, issue of Science, published by AAAS. The study, by Dr. D.A. Solomon of the Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., and colleagues was titled, "Mutational Inactivation of STAG2 Causes Aneuploidy in Human Cancer." view more
Credit: Image © Science/AAAS