Investigating how a specific protein affects cell growth beyond stress responses
Official title: Roles of heat shock transcriptional factor 1 in cell proliferation independent of the heat shock response
Funded at New York Medical College · NIH-10914013 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special protein called HSF1 that helps keep our cells healthy and grow properly, using tiny worms to see how it works in different situations, which could help us understand both normal growth and how cancer develops.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York Medical College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Valhalla, United States) |
| Project start | September 2, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $410,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM138364-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914013 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to abnormal cell proliferation or those interested in the biological mechanisms of cell growth.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cell proliferation or those who do not have access to the research facilities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the heat shock transcriptional factor 1 (HSF1), which is crucial for maintaining cellular health and regulating cell growth. The study uses the nematode C. elegans as a model organism to explore how HSF1 is activated in different physiological conditions and its role in cell proliferation, particularly in germline cells. By employing advanced genetic tools, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms by which HSF1 interacts with signaling pathways like IGF-1/PI3K to influence cell behavior. This could provide insights into both normal development and cancer progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing diseases related to abnormal cell growth, including cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the roles of transcription factors in cell growth can lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
New York Medical College
Valhalla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Jian — New York Medical College
- Study coordinator: Li, Jian
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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.