How cells control their growth and division

Developmental regulation of the cell cycle machinery

NIH-funded research University of California-Irvine · NIH-11115716

This project explores how cells decide when to grow and divide, and when to pause, which is important for understanding conditions like cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California-Irvine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Irvine, United States)
Project IDNIH-11115716 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Our bodies need cells to grow and divide in a very controlled way, and also to know when to stop growing or pause. This project looks at the tiny internal machinery that tells cells when to multiply and when to rest, which is crucial for healthy development. When these cell decisions go wrong, it can lead to serious health problems like cancer, birth defects, and issues related to aging. We are using a small worm, C. elegans, to understand these fundamental processes, hoping to uncover new insights that apply to human health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit individuals affected by cancer, developmental abnormalities, or aging-related disorders in the future.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options would not directly benefit from this basic science project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Understanding how cells control their growth and division could lead to new ways to prevent or treat diseases like cancer and developmental disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous work using C. elegans has already provided important insights into cell cycle control, suggesting this approach is promising.

Where this research is happening

Irvine, 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 Cancer CauseCancer EtiologyCancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.