Understanding how a molecular clock influences cell development in worms
Official title: Molecular timekeeping and temporal cell fate specification in C. elegans
Funded at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory · NIH-10973005 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special biological clock in tiny worms helps control their growth and development by influencing when certain genes are turned on or off, which could teach us more about how similar processes work in other living things.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cold Spring Harbor, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $651,596 |
| NIH project number | 1R01GM155806-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10973005 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would be individuals interested in the genetic and molecular basis of development and related disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to developmental biology or those not interested in genetic research may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a molecular clock in the development of the worm C. elegans, focusing on how it regulates gene expression and cell fate determination. By analyzing genetic patterns, the researchers aim to uncover how oscillatory transcriptional patterns influence the timing of developmental processes. The study will involve creating specific mutations in clock components to observe their effects on gene regulation and development. This work could provide insights into the fundamental mechanisms of development that may be applicable to other organisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of developmental biology and potentially inform treatments for developmental disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using a molecular clock in C. elegans is novel, similar studies in developmental biology have shown promising results in understanding gene regulation.
Where this research is happening
-
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Cold Spring Harbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hammell, Christopher Martin — Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Hammell, Christopher Martin
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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.