Investigating how metabolic differences in cells affect drug tolerance
None-genetic metabolic heterogeneity and its influence on drug tolerance
This study is looking at how even identical cells can behave differently when it comes to their energy use, which can affect how quickly they grow and how well they respond to treatments, with the hope of finding better ways to help people with diseases that are hard to treat.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10645175 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the concept of metabolic heterogeneity, where genetically identical cells exhibit different metabolic activities. By studying bacteria and higher organisms, the project aims to understand how these metabolic differences influence growth rates and drug tolerance. The researchers utilize advanced techniques such as single-cell imaging and cell sorting to analyze metabolic fluctuations and their regulation. Ultimately, the goal is to find ways to control these metabolic differences to improve treatment outcomes for diseases where drug tolerance is a significant challenge.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that exhibit drug tolerance, such as certain bacterial infections or cancers.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions that do not involve metabolic heterogeneity or drug tolerance may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for diseases that involve drug-tolerant cells, potentially reducing recurrence rates.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding metabolic heterogeneity, but this specific approach is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Fuzhong — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Fuzhong
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.