Ekaterina Grishchuk

Associate Professor

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215-746-8177
gekate@pennmedicine.upenn.edu

675A Clinical Research Building

415 Curie Boulevard

Philadelphia, PA 19104

Research Description

Our goal is to understand how cells segregate their chromosomes during cell division, a fundamental property of all living organisms. Errors in chromosome segregation constitute a serious threat to human health by generating abnormal genetic makeup, a hallmark feature of cancer cells. Our focus is on the remarkable ability of chromosomal structures called kinetochores to harness force from spindle microtubules and move while coupled to dynamic microtubule ends.  Using single molecule and laser trapping techniques, we reconstruct in vitro interactions between microtubules and purified kinetochore proteins, determining their ability to serve as mobile and force-bearing links.  With computational models, we work to rationalize physiological kinetochore behaviors based on the quantitative properties of these individual parts. With these multidisciplinary approaches, we aim to create a comprehensive understanding of mechanisms that ensure high fidelity of chromosome segregation in normal cells and to seek new strategies to prevent pathological chromosomal instability.

Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives

  • We strive to create a culture based on continuous learning, diversity, and inclusion. We embrace multiculturalism and foster equality in both the workplace and society at large. For us, diversity and inclusion are fundamental in the creation of an inspirational workplace and being different yet complementary is how we drive our research forward.

Degrees & Education

MS, Moscow State University, 1990

PhD, University of Colorado at Boulder, 1997

Honors & Awards

2018 Keynote speaker, The 2018 Mid-Atlantic Mitosis & Meiosis Meeting, ASCB

2017-2019 New Initiative Research Grant, Kaufman Foundation  

2014-18 Research Scholar, American Cancer Society

2014 Michael S. Brown New Investigator Research Award, Univ. of Pennsylvania

2012-14 Kimmel Scholar Award, The Sidney Kimmel Foundation for Cancer Research

2010 Pennsylvania Muscle Institute Pilot Award

2010 McCabe Foundation Pilot Award, Univ. of Pennsylvania

2008 17th Annual MBoC Paper of the Year Award

1992, 1993 Dean's Small Grant Award, Univ. of Colorado at Boulder

Other Perelman School of Medicine Affiliations

Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Graduate Program

Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group

Pennsylvania Muscle Institute

Professional Affiliations

Professional Affiliations

American Society for Cell Biology

Biophysical Society

Recent Publications
January 3, 2022
Ultrafast Force-Clamp Spectroscopy of Microtubule-Binding Proteins
Ekaterina Grishchuk, Ph.D.
Tripathy SK, Demidov VM, Gonchar IV, Wu S, Ataullakhanov FI, Grishchuk EL. Methods in Molecular Biology “Optical Tweezers” 2022;2478:609-650. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2229-2_22. PubMed PMID: 36063336; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC9662813.
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June 22, 2022
Unique Role of Vimentin Networks in Compression Stiffening of Cells and Protection of Nuclei from Compressive Stress
Ekaterina Grishchuk, Ph.D., Paul Janmey, Ph.D.
Pogoda K, Byfield F, Deptuła P, Cieśluk M, Suprewicz Ł, Skłodowski K, Shivers JL, van Oosten A, Cruz K, Tarasovetc E, Grishchuk EL, Mackintosh FC, Bucki R, Patteson AE, Janmey PA. Nano Letters 2022 Jun 22;22(12):4725-4732. doi: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c00736. Epub 2022 Jun 9. PMID: 35678828; PMCID: PMC9228066.
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January 4, 2023
CLASP2 recognizes tubulins exposed at the microtubule plus-end in a nucleotide state-sensitive manner
Ekaterina Grishchuk, Ph.D.
Luo W, Demidov V, Shen Q, Girão H, Chakraborty M, Maiorov A, Ataullakhanov FI, Lin C, Maiato H, Grishchuk EL. Science Advances 2023 Jan 4;9(1):eabq5404. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.abq5404. Epub 2023 Jan 4. PubMed PMID: 36598991; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC9812398.
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January 26, 2024
Higher-order protein assembly controls kinetochore formation
Ekaterina Grishchuk, Ph.D.
Sissoko GB, Tarasovetc EV, Marescal O, Grishchuk EL, Cheeseman IM. Nature Cell Biology 2024 Jan;26(1):45-56. doi: 10.1038/s41556-023-01313-7. Epub 2024 Jan 2. PMID: 38168769.
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