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-10796164 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific gene called MTFR2 affects how cancer cells divide and manage their energy, which could help us understand why some cancer cells behave differently and become unstable.
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 | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $96,656 |
| NIH project number | 3R15GM147878-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10796164 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with various types of cancer, particularly those with known mitochondrial dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-malignant conditions or those without any mitochondrial-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of the MTFR2 gene in the process of cell division, particularly how it influences mitochondrial dynamics and chromosome segregation. The researchers will use advanced techniques, including CRISPR, to manipulate the MTFR2 gene in cancer cells and observe the effects on cell division. By studying these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover how defects in mitochondrial function can lead to cancer cell heterogeneity and chromosomal instability, which are critical factors in cancer progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into cancer biology and potential therapeutic targets for improving cancer treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding mitochondrial dynamics can significantly impact cancer treatment strategies, suggesting that this approach has the potential for success.
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
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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.