How cells use ubiquitin and metabolism signals to control growth

Ubiquitin and Metabolite Signaling

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · NIH-11481902

Researchers are looking at how a small protein tag called ubiquitin and metabolic signals help control cell growth in ways that could help people with cancer.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (IRVINE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11481902 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

The team works with yeast and mammalian lab cell models to see how ubiquitin tags and metabolic cues talk to the cell cycle machinery. They use biochemical tools to map which ubiquitin chain types are read by the cell, how F-box proteins sense metabolic or environmental changes, and how ubiquitin ligases choose specific targets. A second project focuses on links between methionine metabolism, regulation of PP2A, and how those connections affect cell proliferation in mammalian cells. Findings aim to reveal basic molecular steps that could point to new drug targets or treatment approaches.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This grant supports laboratory research rather than a clinical trial, so it does not enroll patients but could benefit people with cancer in the future through new treatments developed from the findings.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options are unlikely to benefit because the work is foundational lab research rather than a therapy study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new molecular targets to slow or stop cancer cell growth and guide future cancer therapies.

How similar studies have performed: Prior yeast and cell-line research has revealed important ubiquitin pathways, but translating these basic findings into proven cancer treatments is still early and largely unproven.

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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cancer Treatment

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.