Understanding Cell Growth and Gene Control
Understanding the role of the nuclear pore complex in undifferentiated cell proliferation and gene gating
This research explores how a cell's inner structures, called the nuclear envelope and nuclear pore complex, control cell growth and gene activity, which could be important for understanding diseases like cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141787 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our cells have a protective layer around their control center, the nucleus, called the nuclear envelope, which contains tiny gateways called nuclear pore complexes. These gateways are vital for how cells organize their genetic material, express genes, move materials, and respond to signals. This project uses plant models to understand how these gateways work, focusing on two specific components, PNET1 and GBPL3. We want to learn how PNET1 affects cell division in growing cells and how GBPL3 helps control gene activity when cells are under stress. This foundational work aims to uncover basic biological principles.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patients, but future studies building on this knowledge could benefit individuals with conditions involving abnormal cell division or gene regulation, such as cancer.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical interventions would not find direct benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could deepen our understanding of fundamental cell processes, potentially leading to new ways to address uncontrolled cell growth seen in conditions like cancer.
How similar studies have performed: This research explores novel functions of the nuclear pore complex, building on existing knowledge of cell biology but focusing on new components and mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
Berkeley, United States
- University of California Berkeley — Berkeley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gu, Yangnan — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Gu, Yangnan
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.