How heavy metals upset cell growth and balance
Interplay of heavy metal homeostasis and cell growth-related signaling networks
Researchers are learning how excess metals like lead, mercury, or cadmium disrupt cell growth and survival, which could help children and others exposed to toxic metals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11145633 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will study how excess heavy metals bind to cellular components and alter a key growth-control system called the Hippo pathway. They will use lab-grown cells and molecular lab techniques to map which proteins and signals change after metal exposure. Findings may be tested in model systems to confirm effects and to identify steps that could be targeted by treatments. The work aims to point toward ways to prevent or reduce tissue damage from metal poisoning.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by toxic metal exposure—such as children with lead exposure or adults with occupational or environmental metal exposure—would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients without any history of heavy metal exposure or whose conditions are unrelated to metal toxicity are unlikely to get direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets for treating or protecting people from heavy metal poisoning, especially vulnerable children.
How similar studies have performed: Many studies have shown heavy metals damage cells and separate research has defined the Hippo pathway's role in growth control, but combining these two areas to explain metal-driven Hippo signaling is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Wenqi — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Wang, Wenqi
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.