NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Genetic interactions shaping stem cell behavior in fruit fly intestines

Official title: Genetic interactions among targets of master regulator genes as drivers of complex behavior in Drosophila intestinal stem cells

Funded at California State University Northridge · NIH-11384155 · Data updated 2026-11-12

Scientists study how teamed-up gene targets of master regulators influence how intestinal stem cells grow and differentiate in fruit flies, with the goal of guiding regenerative strategies.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCalifornia State University Northridge
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Northridge, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2023
Project endJune 30, 2027
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$147,500
NIH project number5R16GM149452-04
Project IDNIH-11384155 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Not applicable to a specific patient population in this basic science grant.

Less likely to help

This basic science grant does not enroll patients or provide direct patient care.

What this research studies

This project uses the fruit fly model to map how downstream gene targets of master regulator genes coordinate intestinal stem cell proliferation, self-renewal, and differentiation. Researchers will manipulate specific gene targets alone and together in intestinal stem cells and observe effects on tissue balance using microscopy and other analyses. The work explores how combinations of gene interactions drive complex cell behavior, aiming to identify more precise targets for regenerative medicine. Findings could illuminate basic biology applicable to stem cell therapies in humans.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Improved understanding of how to modulate stem cell behavior could inform future regenerative therapies.

How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that single gene targets have strong effects; this project tests combined targets to reveal more nuanced control.

Where this research is happening

  • California State University Northridge
    Northridge, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Loza Coll, Mariano a — California State University Northridge
  • Study coordinator: Loza Coll, Mariano a

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Thermoregulatory RNAs: discovering how microbes sense temperature

    Scientists will study RNA elements that help bacteria and related organisms sense heat and adapt, with a focus on pathogens and gut microbes, to uncover new targets for fighting infections.

    NIH research California State University Northridge · Northridge, United States · NIH-11426423

  • Antimicrobial Peptides: How well they work in realistic infections

    A scientist team will study how antimicrobial peptides work against bacteria in conditions that resemble real infections, with the goal of understanding their true potential.

    NIH research California State University Northridge · Northridge, United States · NIH-11424438

  • Genomic and ecological study of Akkermansia in human milk sugars

    Researchers are studying how different Akkermansia bacteria interact with core human milk sugars to understand how these gut microbes influence health.

    NIH research California State University Northridge · Northridge, United States · NIH-11424248

  • How stress, discrimination, and environmental racism affect health in Latino youth

    This project measures how ongoing stress—including racial discrimination and harmful environmental conditions—affects stress-related body systems in Latino adolescents and young adults to help spot those at higher risk for type 2 diabetes.

    NIH research California State University Northridge · Northridge, United States · NIH-11376306

  • Structural dynamics of G protein signaling in health and disease

    A patient-friendly look at how GPCR signaling works in the body and why it matters for many conditions.

    NIH research California State University Northridge · Northridge, United States · NIH-11349698

  • How a worm protein similar to human Neuregulin is made and released

    Researchers are looking at how a protein in nematode worms that resembles human Neuregulin is produced and released, to better understand cell signaling tied to conditions like cancer and sleep changes.

    NIH research California State University Northridge · Northridge, United States · NIH-11330334

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.