Investigating how a specific gene affects cell division and cancer development
Official title: MTFR2 in the control of mitochondrial dynamics and mitotic spindle integrity
Funded at University of Toledo · NIH-10514925 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific gene called MTFR2 affects the way cancer cells divide and how problems with cell energy can lead to mistakes in their genetic material, which could help us find new ways to treat cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Toledo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toledo, United States) |
| Project start | December 10, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $451,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM147878-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10514925 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cancers that exhibit chromosomal instability.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose cancers do not involve mitochondrial dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of the MTFR2 gene in regulating mitochondrial dynamics and its impact on cell division, particularly in cancer cells. The study aims to explore how defects in mitochondrial function can lead to errors in chromosome segregation during mitosis, which is crucial for maintaining genetic stability. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR to manipulate the MTFR2 gene, researchers will analyze its effects on cell behavior and cancer progression. Patients may benefit from insights gained about cancer cell behavior and potential new therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating cancers by targeting the mechanisms of cell division.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting mitochondrial dynamics can influence cancer cell behavior, suggesting a promising avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Toledo
Toledo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Song-Tao — University of Toledo
- Study coordinator: Liu, Song-Tao
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How Zika Virus Can Weaken Eye Barriers and What Might Help
Researchers are studying how Zika virus may disrupt the eye’s protective barrier in newborns and whether certain pathways could be targeted to protect vision.
-
Role of Protocadherin 19 in human cortical development and its link to epilepsy
A study using human stem cell–derived brain models to understand how PCDH19 gene variants affect early brain development and contribute to epilepsy.
-
How tiny RNAs help guide nerve fibers in autism
A study in chicken models looks at how specific microRNAs control nerve-fiber guidance receptors to help proper brain wiring relevant to autism.
-
Centrosomal JAK2 in ciliated cells impacts ciliogenesis and cell behavior
A research grant aims to understand how JAK2 at the centrosome affects ciliogenesis and related cell functions in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
-
Sperm Centriole Mechanism in Fertilization
Researchers are studying how human sperm centrioles and the neck connect to the tail to enable fertilization, using rabbits as a genetic model to uncover this mechanism.
-
Dynamic covalent chemistry enables remote C-H changes on alkaloids
A new method uses special temporary directing groups to modify hard-to-reach parts of alkaloid molecules, potentially expanding how these natural-product-derived compounds are customized.
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.