How nutrients affect the development of a tiny worm model.

Nutritional Control of Nematode Development

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-11011663

This study is exploring how a tiny worm called C. elegans reacts when it doesn't have enough food, which could help us learn more about how similar responses in humans might affect health issues like cancer and diabetes as we age.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11011663 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the tiny worm C. elegans responds to changes in nutrient availability, particularly focusing on how these responses can affect development and health. The study looks at how starvation impacts gene expression and metabolism, which are crucial for understanding conditions like cancer and diabetes. By examining the mechanisms that allow these worms to survive periods without food, researchers aim to uncover insights that could be relevant to human health, especially regarding aging and disease progression.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 who are interested in the biological mechanisms of aging and disease related to nutrition.

Not a fit: Patients who are not adults or those without conditions related to nutrient regulation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing diseases related to nutrient regulation, such as cancer and diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research using C. elegans has shown promising results in understanding nutrient-responsive pathways and their implications for human health.

Where this research is happening

Durham, 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.
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.