Understanding how cells use and control their internal temperature
Nanoscale Temperature Mapping and Thermal Regulation of Intracellular Dynamics
This project aims to discover how our cells create and use heat, and how this affects their normal functions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11145179 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our cells constantly manage their internal temperature, which is vital for all life processes. While we know temperature is important, we don't fully understand how cells generate and use heat at a tiny, molecular level. This project will develop new, extremely precise tools to measure and control temperature inside cells, even within specific parts of a cell. By combining these tools with advanced imaging and computer models, we hope to uncover the fundamental ways temperature influences cell health and disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not involve direct patient participation, but future applications could benefit individuals with various diseases linked to cellular dysfunction.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical participation will not find a direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this fundamental understanding could open new avenues for diagnosing and treating a wide range of diseases by targeting how cells manage their internal heat.
How similar studies have performed: This project proposes a novel approach using new nano-architectures and advanced techniques to uncover previously unknown mechanisms of intracellular temperature regulation.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, Yongjie — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Hu, Yongjie
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.