Understanding how cells pause and restart their growth
Probing the flexibility of G0
This project aims to understand how cells decide to stop growing and when they can start again, which is important for healthy development and preventing diseases like cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11105922 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies are made of many cells, and most of them spend their time performing their jobs without dividing. This resting state, called G0, is crucial for healthy tissues and organs. However, sometimes cells in G0 can start dividing uncontrollably, leading to diseases like cancer, or they might fail to restart when needed for repair. This research explores the different ways cells enter and exit this G0 state, and what controls their flexibility to switch between resting and growing. By learning more about these fundamental processes, we hope to uncover new ways to keep cells healthy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who could benefit from future therapies that target cell growth and division, particularly those affected by cancer or developmental disorders, are the ultimate focus of this foundational work.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical trial participation would not directly benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating diseases like cancer by better controlling cell growth and rest.
How similar studies have performed: While much is known about rapidly dividing cells, understanding the G0 resting state is a less explored but critical area of cell biology, building upon existing foundational knowledge.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Buttitta, Laura a — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Buttitta, Laura a
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.