 January 2012UCSF - Mission Bay’s Scientist Dave Morgan Studies SegregationErin CurrieIn order for a cell to duplicate, it needs to package its DNA into an easily manageable form, copy that DNA, and move it to opposite sides of the cell so that when the cell divides, the DNA is distributed evenly between both new cells. Dave Morgan’s laboratory studies the process of dividing the DNA between the cells, called “segregation.” Cancer is caused by too much cell duplication. It starts with too many cells in one place, and causes significant health problems when excess cells move from their normal place to a new spot in the body. Morgan believes that by thoroughly understanding segregation it can be controlled. By managing segregation, excess cell duplication may be regulated, which would tame cancer. Morgan’s laboratory is currently studying a protein called “separase.” When DNA is duplicated during cell division, it’s held together by protein rings so that the timing of separation can be carefully controlled. Separase clips this ring, and allows the DNA to separate in a manner that’s managed tightly in time and space. The DNA is then pulled to different sides of the cell by an amazing protein machine called the “spindle” that uses molecular scaffolds, ropes, and pulleys to shuttle the chromosomes apart. Morgan described his life as “not very spicy, but what do you expect from a family guy?” When he came to UCSF 30 years ago, as a graduate student, Morgan was heavily involved in San Francisco’s music scene, a fan of Flipper and Dead Kennedys. Now his weekends are full of endless trips to soccer and volleyball games with his children. Morgan has two 13-year-old twin boys, Stefan and Leif, at Aptos Middle School, and a daughter, Linnea, in 10th grade at Lowell High School. While Morgan is frustrated with state budget cuts that have pushed teachers to their limit, he’s determined for his kids to go to public schools. Like many families, Morgan and his wife Marianne, a pharmacist at Kaiser hospital on Geary Street, juggle two jobs along with the need to get their kids to athletic games and school, help with homework, and keep them from playing too many video games. Morgan acknowledged one major vice: an addiction to books. He collects old volumes, particularly science texts about cell division. Many of his favorites were published in Germany in the 1800s. They’ve taken over his living room. Perhaps some segregation is called for.
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