Understanding how cells sense amino acids for growth regulation
Official title: Mechanisms of amino-acid sensing by the GATOR complex
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10908437 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a group of proteins called GATOR helps cells know when they have enough building blocks (amino acids) to grow, which is important for keeping our bodies healthy, and it’s for anyone interested in how our cells make decisions based on the food we eat.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $342,480 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150935-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908437 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that involve abnormal cell growth or metabolism, particularly cancer patients.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to amino acid metabolism or cellular growth may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a complex of proteins known as GATOR helps cells detect and respond to the availability of amino acids, which are crucial for cellular growth and metabolism. By studying the interactions between GATOR and specific amino acids like leucine, arginine, and methionine, the research aims to uncover the signaling pathways that influence whether a cell should grow or maintain itself based on nutrient availability. This work involves advanced molecular biology techniques to track how these amino acids affect cellular decisions and metabolic processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing diseases related to cell growth, such as cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cellular signaling pathways related to nutrient sensing, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rogala, Kacper — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Rogala, Kacper
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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.