{
  "id": 10784575,
  "title": "LISA to the rescue: Using light to fix cell division",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/lisa-to-the-rescue-using-light-to-fix-cell-division",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-29T21:00:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-09-lisa-cell-division.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The centrosome, a membraneless organelle composed of over 200 components, plays a crucial role in cell division by clustering mitotic spindles, which are essential for separating genetic material. However, it has been unclear which parts of the centrosome are necessary for spindle assembly. Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a technique called Light-Induced Spindle Activation (LISA) that can reversibly activate Aurora A kinase, a key enzyme critical for spindle assembly. Using LISA, scientists can now study centrosomes and spindle assembly in greater detail and potentially rescue cell division when these components fail. Aurora A kinase is activated through clustering, a process promoted by its scaffold, Cep192. The LISA technique allows researchers to induce and study Aurora A clustering using blue light, independent of Cep192, across various cell types. This method can be applied directly in living cells, unlike previous bead-based methods that are restricted to cell extracts. By introducing the engineered Aurora A clustering system into human cells with lost centrosomes and applying blue light during mitosis, LISA can restore spindle assembly and rescue defects in cell division caused by centrosome loss. This light-induced activation of Aurora A kinase has potential therapeutic applications, as Aurora A kinase is overexpressed in many solid tumors, and drugs targeting it are already in use. The researchers aim to identify Aurora A kinase-specific targets for drug design, independent of the centrosome, for a more effective therapeutic approach.",
  "summary": "Cell division is a complex process. At the heart of this complexity is a membraneless organelle called the centrosome, which is made up of more than 200 components. It is responsible for clustering mitotic spindles, threadlike structures needed to separate genetic material. It has long remained unclear which parts of the centrosome are necessary and sufficient for spindle assembly.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}