How the p53 protein helps cells respond to damage
Dynamics, Regulation and Function of p53 in Single Cells
Researchers are studying how the p53 protein's on-and-off patterns in cells influence whether damaged cells stop dividing or die, which could help people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11260463 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at p53 behavior one cell at a time to see how timing and levels of the protein affect cell decisions like repair, stopping growth, or self-destructing. Scientists will use lab-grown cells, mouse models, and intestinal organoids to watch p53 dynamics and how they change with different kinds and amounts of DNA damage. They will also test how a cell's cycle stage, surrounding environment, and cancer-related changes in p53 regulators alter those patterns. The goal is to link specific p53 activity patterns to downstream gene responses and cell fates.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers that retain a functional p53 pathway or patients willing to donate tumor tissue for organoid or molecular studies would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors carry nonfunctional or deleted TP53 mutations are less likely to benefit from results that depend on intact p53 signaling.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to ways to push cancer cells toward death or permanent arrest by targeting p53 timing and regulators.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown that p53 oscillations affect gene expression and cell fate in model systems, but translating those findings into patient therapies remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Harvard Medical School — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lahav, Galit — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Lahav, Galit
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.