Exploring how evolution creates diversity in cancer and drug resistance
Official title: Understanding the mechanism of diversity generation through directional selection
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10938613 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain changes in yeast can help them survive tough conditions, like cancer or infections that resist treatment, to better understand why some cancers act differently and how we can create better treatments for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | August 14, 2023 |
| Project end | August 13, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $78,892 |
| NIH project number | 5F32GM149046-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10938613 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cancers or infections that exhibit drug resistance or unpredictable treatment responses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable, non-evolving conditions may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how adaptive mutations occur under selective pressure, particularly in the context of diseases like cancer and drug-resistant infections. By studying a collection of yeast mutants, the project aims to understand the mechanisms behind the generation of diversity in physiological responses. The researchers will utilize advanced RNA sequencing technologies to analyze the molecular characteristics of these mutants, testing hypotheses about how selection influences diversity. This work could provide insights into why similar cancers can behave very differently, which is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for predicting and treating cancers and infections that evolve resistance to therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding evolutionary mechanisms can lead to significant advancements in treating adaptive diseases, indicating a promising avenue for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khristich, Alexandra — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Khristich, Alexandra
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.