How nutrients affect the development of a tiny worm model.
Official title: Nutritional Control of Nematode Development
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11011663 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $565,826 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156356-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011663 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 who are interested in the biological mechanisms of aging and disease related to nutrition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not adults or those without conditions related to nutrient regulation may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baugh, Larry Ryan — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Baugh, Larry Ryan
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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.