Understanding Calcium Signals in Cells
Calcium encoding mechanisms in a model plant
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY · NIH-11171482
This research explores how cells use calcium signals to respond to different cues, which could help us understand many human diseases.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BERKELEY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11171482 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our bodies, like all living things, rely on calcium to send messages within cells, helping them react to their surroundings. When these calcium signals don't work correctly, it can lead to various health problems, including conditions like Alzheimer's disease. This project aims to uncover how cells interpret specific calcium messages to produce the right responses. By studying a simple plant, researchers hope to discover basic rules of calcium signaling that apply to all living organisms, including humans. This foundational knowledge is crucial for developing new ways to address diseases linked to faulty calcium communication.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with conditions linked to calcium signaling defects, such as Alzheimer's disease, may find this foundational research relevant to their health.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical trials or direct therapeutic interventions would not directly benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide fundamental insights into how calcium signaling goes wrong in diseases, potentially leading to new strategies for treatment or prevention.
How similar studies have performed: Previous discoveries using this plant model have already provided new frameworks for understanding calcium signaling across different life forms.
Where this research is happening
BERKELEY, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY — BERKELEY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LUAN, SHENG — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY
- Study coordinator: LUAN, SHENG
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease