Understanding how cells decide to grow, change, or die
Deciphering dynamic signals in control of cell fate decisions
This work helps us understand how individual cells make important decisions, like whether to multiply or change, especially in the context of disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11121002 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies are made of tiny cells that constantly make choices, such as whether to grow, specialize, or even self-destruct. This project aims to uncover how these cells process information and make these critical decisions, particularly when inflammatory factors are involved in both healthy and diseased states. We are using advanced microscopy to watch how proteins move and organize within living cells, creating a 'movie' of their internal signals. By tracking these dynamic signals, we hope to learn the secret codes cells use to make their fate decisions. This knowledge could help us understand many diseases where cell decisions go wrong.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational biological work does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but it is relevant to anyone affected by diseases involving abnormal cell behavior.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatments or direct participation in a clinical trial would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this basic understanding of cell decision-making could open new avenues for treating diseases where cell growth, death, or specialization is disrupted.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of multiplexing live-cell reporters for dynamic signal correlation is innovative, the broader field of cell signaling and fate control has seen significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Robin E. C. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Lee, Robin E. C.
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.