How cancer cells organize signaling inside living cells
Live-cell Activity Architecture in Cancer
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-11144602
Researchers are creating new imaging tools to watch molecular signals inside living cancer cells to better understand why tumors grow and resist death for people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11144602 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, this project builds tiny biosensors and high-resolution imaging methods that let scientists see where and when molecules act inside living cancer cells and in awake mice. The team maps a cell’s “activity architecture,” meaning the spatial patterns of enzyme and protein activity that control division and programmed cell death. They study how cancer driver molecules change that architecture so cells ignore stop signals and avoid apoptosis. The work uses live-cell imaging, molecular biosensors, and animal models and may involve human tumor samples in later phases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancer who are willing to donate tumor tissue or participate in future imaging-related clinical or translational studies would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate change in their treatment or people without cancer are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic science program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets and strategies to stop tumors from growing or to restore normal cell-death control.
How similar studies have performed: The PI's lab has published many papers and created first-in-class biosensors and high-resolution imaging in mice, showing strong proof-of-concept but only early progress toward patient therapies.
Where this research is happening
LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO — LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZHANG, JIN — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- Study coordinator: ZHANG, JIN
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.