How Cell Energy Rhythms Control Genes
Control of gene expression by dynamic metabolic oscillations
This research explores how the way our cells use energy in changing patterns can switch genes on and off, which might be important for understanding chronic diseases and cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11139633 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how the way our cells use energy, especially when it changes in rhythmic patterns, can turn genes on or off. We know that these energy shifts can broadly change how genes behave, but the exact mechanisms are not fully understood. This work suggests that these dynamic energy changes might influence important cell decisions, like how cells grow, age, or respond to medicines. Researchers will use special tools to watch these gene changes in living cells and see how they affect key processes related to aging and cell clean-up.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patients, but future studies building on this work could potentially benefit patients with chronic diseases, cancers, or age-related conditions.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options would not directly benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new ways to influence cell behavior in chronic diseases and cancers by targeting how cells manage their energy and gene activity.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of dynamic filtering of gene expression is emerging in systems biology, the specific focus on metabolic oscillations driving distinct gene expression programs related to cell fate decisions is a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Albeck, John G. — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Albeck, John G.
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.