Extra centrosomes and tumor cell growth
Supernumerary Centrosomes and Cell Proliferation
This project looks at how extra centrosomes change cancer cell growth and which proteins let those cells keep dividing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pasadena, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294186 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or a loved one has cancer, this work aims to explain why some tumor cells can keep growing when they have too many centrosomes. The team increases a protein called Plk4 in cells and mice to create extra centrosomes, then runs a genome-wide screen to find genes that allow those cells to keep dividing. They study molecular pathways (including Rac signaling and interactions with p53) using cell biology experiments and mouse models to see which proteins control centriole behavior. The goal is to point to specific proteins or pathways that could become targets for future cancer treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with tumors that show abnormal centrosome numbers or loss of p53 function would be most relevant for future therapies based on this work.
Not a fit: People with cancers driven by unrelated mechanisms or who need immediate clinical treatment may not see direct benefit from this basic laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reveal new proteins or pathways that become drug targets to slow or stop cancers that rely on extra centrosomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous cell and animal studies manipulating Plk4 and centrosome numbers have changed tumor growth, but turning those findings into human treatments is still at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
Pasadena, United States
- California Institute of Technology — Pasadena, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Glover, David M — California Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Glover, David M
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 below.