How cells maintain their shape during division

Cell-cycle-dependent cell polarity control

NIH-funded research Boston College · NIH-10800798

This study is looking at how cells get their shape back after they divide, which is really important for them to work properly, and it's using a type of yeast to explore how a specific protein helps control this process—what they learn could help us understand more about cancer and other health issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston College NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chestnut Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10800798 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how cells regain their polarized shape after division, which is crucial for their proper function. Using the fission yeast model, the study focuses on the role of a protein called Cdc42 in regulating cell growth and shape during the cell cycle. By manipulating genetic tools, researchers aim to understand the cues that control cell polarity and how disruptions in this process can lead to cancer and other disorders. The findings could provide insights into the fundamental mechanisms of cell behavior and their implications for disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cancers or metabolic disorders that may be influenced by cellular growth and division abnormalities.

Not a fit: Patients with non-malignant conditions unrelated to cell division or growth may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating cancers and metabolic disorders linked to cell shape anomalies.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding cell polarity and its implications for cancer, making this investigation a continuation of established scientific inquiry.

Where this research is happening

Chestnut Hill, 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 Cancersneoplasm/cancer
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.