Understanding how complex cells die and are cleared from the body
Official title: In Vivo Genetic Analysis of Compartmentalized Cell Elimination
Funded at University of Texas Arlington · NIH-11099489 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells, like brain cells, naturally die in specific parts of their structure, using tiny worms to learn more about the genes that control this process, 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 Texas Arlington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Arlington, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $30,960 |
| NIH project number | 3R35GM142489-04S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11099489 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cancers or autoimmune diseases where cell death and clearance processes are implicated.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cell death mechanisms or those not affected by cancer or autoimmune diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the process of programmed cell death, specifically focusing on how complex cells, like neurons, undergo elimination in a compartment-specific manner. By using the model organism C. elegans, the study aims to uncover the genetic mechanisms that regulate this process, which is crucial for normal development and preventing diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders. The research will explore the intricate architecture of cells and how their unique structures influence their death and clearance from the body. Insights gained could lead to improved therapies for conditions where cell death and clearance are disrupted.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing cancer therapies and treating autoimmune diseases by improving our understanding of cell death mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding cell death mechanisms, but this specific approach using C. elegans for compartmentalized cell elimination is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Arlington
Arlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ghose, Piya — University of Texas Arlington
- Study coordinator: Ghose, Piya
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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.