Investigating how folate affects cell signaling in roundworms

Folate-directed signaling in C. elegans

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA · NIH-10553264

This study is looking at how a special receptor in tiny roundworms helps them grow and move better when they eat certain nutrients called folates, which could help us learn more about how folate affects growth and cancer in other living things.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ATHENS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10553264 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research explores the role of the folate receptor in the roundworm C. elegans, particularly how it influences cell proliferation and behavior in response to dietary folates. The study focuses on a specific bacterial folate that enhances the growth of germ stem cells and alters the movement of the worms when they encounter food. By using fluorescent tags, researchers aim to track the folate receptor's location in cells and understand the molecular pathways involved in these processes. This research could provide insights into the broader implications of folate signaling in development and cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with cancers that overexpress folate receptors or those interested in the role of nutrition in cancer progression.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have cancers related to folate receptor overexpression or those not affected by dietary folate may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for targeting folate receptors in cancer treatment and improving developmental outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific signaling pathways in C. elegans are being explored, similar research on folate receptors in human cancers has shown promising results, indicating potential for success.

Where this research is happening

ATHENS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cancers, neoplasm/cancer

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.