How the body's internal clock controls cell health
Circadian Regulation of Cellular Homeostasis
This work looks at how the body's daily clock affects cell growth and stem cells, with possible relevance for adults at risk for breast cancer or circadian-related sleep and metabolic problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m Agrilife Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11252607 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team studies how molecular clock components control stem and progenitor cell behavior using the mouse mammary gland as a model. They follow cell lineages and use molecular tools to track how clock proteins such as PER2 switch between time-keeping and developmental roles. Experiments test how disrupting normal rhythms changes cell differentiation and features linked to cancer. Results aim to link basic clock biology to tissue regeneration and cancer risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults concerned about breast cancer risk or people with circadian rhythm disruptions (for example shift workers or those with chronic sleep problems) would be the most relevant group for these findings.
Not a fit: People whose health issues are unrelated to circadian biology or breast/tissue regeneration are unlikely to see direct benefits from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new ways to prevent or treat breast cancer and other disorders tied to disrupted circadian rhythms.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and molecular studies have linked clock genes to metabolism, sleep, and cancer risk, but translating those findings into human treatments is still at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
College Station, UNITED STATES
- Texas A&m Agrilife Research — College Station, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Porter, Weston W — Texas A&m Agrilife Research
- Study coordinator: Porter, Weston W
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.