Understanding how cells adapt their growth cycles
Official title: Molecular basis of cell-cycle plasticity and robustness
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-10981127 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cancer cells can change their growth and division patterns when faced with different treatments, and it aims to find new ways to overcome drug resistance, which could help improve cancer therapies for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $383,891 |
| NIH project number | 1R01GM152642-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10981127 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that are known to develop resistance to current therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose cancers do not exhibit cell-cycle plasticity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the flexibility of the mammalian cell cycle, which is traditionally viewed as a fixed process. It explores how cells can adapt their growth and division pathways in response to different conditions, particularly in the context of cancer treatment. By examining the role of Cyclin-Dependent Kinases (CDKs) and their inhibitors, the research aims to uncover new strategies to combat drug resistance in cancer therapies. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective treatments for cancers that exploit these adaptive mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer treatments that overcome drug resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding cell cycle dynamics can lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spencer, Sabrina Leigh — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Spencer, Sabrina Leigh
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Empowering youth to prevent violence in Denver communities
A community-led program in Denver is testing new ways to reduce youth violence by engaging youth, families, and local partners, and by measuring how well these strategies work.
-
Center that enables faster, better population science research at CU Boulder
A PI-led center at the University of Colorado aims to sustain and expand population science research by supporting researchers and infrastructure for five more years.
-
AI-powered system to improve teamwork in cardiac surgery
A research project is testing an AI-driven system that listens to team conversations during heart surgeries to spot teamwork patterns and give real-time feedback to improve patient safety.
-
Hemp-derived CBD for reducing cannabis use in high-THC concentrate users
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial tests whether hemp-derived CBD can help adults who mainly use high-potency cannabis concentrates reduce their cannabis use.
-
Gene-environment factors shaping Alzheimer's risk across life (twin study)
This project studies how modifiable lifestyle and environmental factors, viewed through twin data, influence the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias across different stages of life.
-
CU Boulder Cryo-ET Center: making advanced cellular imaging accessible
A new satellite center at the University of Colorado Boulder will provide cryo-electron tomography services and training to researchers studying cells, organelles, and large molecular machines.
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.