How cells change their behavior without genetic mutations

Post-transcriptional regulation of cell plasticity

NIH-funded research Emory University · NIH-11086067

This study is looking at how cells can change their behavior in response to their surroundings without changing their DNA, which could help us understand how conditions like cancer and immune responses work better.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEmory University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project IDNIH-11086067 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how cells can alter their characteristics in response to environmental changes without undergoing genetic mutations. It focuses on understanding the post-transcriptional mechanisms, such as mRNA modifications and translational control, that regulate protein synthesis and influence cell behavior. By exploring the role of the eukaryotic initiation factor 3 (eIF3) in translation regulation, the research aims to uncover how these processes contribute to cellular plasticity, particularly in complex diseases like cancer and immune responses.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions influenced by cellular plasticity, such as certain cancers or immune disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with stable genetic conditions that do not involve cellular plasticity may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating diseases by targeting the mechanisms that allow cells to change their behavior.

How similar studies have performed: While the role of transcriptional regulation in cell behavior is well-studied, the specific focus on post-transcriptional mechanisms like eIF3 in cellular plasticity is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Atlanta, 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.
Conditions Cancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.