How gene 'switches' in cells change and affect cancer and drug-resistant infections
Dynamics and evolution of synthetic and natural gene regulatory networks
This work learns how the gene-control systems inside cells shift over time and how those changes can drive cancer progression and microbial drug resistance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11361463 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use computer models and engineered gene circuits in lab-grown yeast and mammalian cells to watch how gene networks and random fluctuations shape cell behavior. They compare natural gene regulatory networks with synthetic ones to find key control points that alter population-level traits. The team studies both genetic mutations and non-genetic variability to understand how cell populations adapt and evolve. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that could be targeted to limit harmful behaviors like tumor growth or the rise of drug-resistant infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancer or with recurrent drug-resistant infections who are willing to donate tissue or microbial samples for laboratory research would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Healthy volunteers with no interest in donating samples or people with conditions unrelated to cancer or infection are unlikely to benefit directly from this grant's activities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to block or steer cell behaviors that underlie cancer progression and antimicrobial drug resistance.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab studies by this team and others have successfully used models and synthetic circuits to control protein expression variability, but translating those findings to clinical treatments remains early.
Where this research is happening
Stony Brook, United States
- State University New York Stony Brook — Stony Brook, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balazsi, Gabor — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Balazsi, Gabor
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.