Understanding Cell Communication in Health and Disease
Signal transduction in development and disease
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11122231
This research explores how cells talk to each other, how these conversations can go wrong in diseases like birth defects and cancer, and how we might be able to help fix them.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11122231 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We are learning how cells communicate to build and maintain our bodies, and what happens when these signals break down. This work focuses on two key communication systems, Hedgehog and WNT, which are vital for healthy development and preventing diseases like cancer. When these systems malfunction, they can contribute to conditions ranging from birth defects to cancer and degenerative diseases. Our goal is to understand the detailed steps of these cellular conversations, from how a signal is first detected to how it changes cell behavior. This deeper understanding could lead to new strategies for repairing faulty cell communication and developing future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but aims to benefit individuals affected by diseases linked to cell communication.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options would not directly benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new approaches for treating or preventing a variety of human diseases, including birth defects and cancer, by correcting problems in how cells communicate.
How similar studies have performed: This research builds upon a strong foundation of previous work from this laboratory, which has published extensively on cell communication pathways.
Where this research is happening
STANFORD, UNITED STATES
- STANFORD UNIVERSITY — STANFORD, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ROHATGI, RAJAT — STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: ROHATGI, RAJAT
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.