Exploring how plants produce complex chemicals that affect animal health

Dissection of specialized metabolism in plants using multiplexed perturbation

['FUNDING_CAREER'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11043338

This study is looking at how certain plants, especially tomatoes, make special compounds that could help improve health, and it aims to find out how these compounds might influence what we eat and how they could lead to new plant-based treatments for patients.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_CAREER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSTANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11043338 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the specialized metabolism of plants, focusing on the complex metabolites they produce that can influence animal physiology. By utilizing advanced genetic tools, the project aims to activate and identify various biosynthetic gene sets in plants, particularly in tomatoes, to understand their potential medicinal properties. Patients may benefit from insights into dietary choices and the development of new plant-based therapies. The research employs a combination of multiplexed gene activation and single-cell measurement to systematically explore these biochemical pathways.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit include individuals interested in plant-based therapies or those seeking alternative treatments for health conditions.

Not a fit: Patients who are not interested in dietary changes or plant-based treatments may not find this research beneficial.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new plant-derived medicines and improved dietary recommendations for better health.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in utilizing plant metabolites for medicinal purposes, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

STANFORD, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.