Understanding how daily rhythms affect cell maturation
Official title: How cell maturation is regulated by circadian and metabolic rhythms
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11022211 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how our body's natural daily rhythms affect how cells grow and work, using both human and mouse models, to find ways to improve treatments for patients needing better healing and regeneration.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 12, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $406,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM157320-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11022211 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with conditions related to cell maturation or tissue regeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable, fully matured tissues or those not affected by cell maturation processes may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the body's natural daily rhythms, influenced by the 24-hour cycle, affect the maturation of cells. By studying both human and mouse models, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms by which circadian and metabolic rhythms influence how cells become specialized and maintain their functions. The approach includes advanced techniques like single-cell gene expression mapping and gene editing to explore these processes in detail. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved regenerative medicine strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine by enhancing our understanding of how to create fully functional tissues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in chronobiology have shown promising results in understanding cellular functions related to daily rhythms, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alvarez, Juan R — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Alvarez, Juan R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Comparing universal and guideline-directed genetic testing for young adults with cancer
This study is looking at whether a broader genetic test can help young adults with cancer find inherited risks that regular tests might miss, so they can get better treatment and care tailored just for them.
-
Better, searchable data for human pain biology
A data integration center will standardize, combine, and share molecular and cellular data from human pain research to help scientists understand how pain works and to accelerate discoveries.
-
Understanding how sweat glands form and work to help burn and skin injury patients
A study at the University of Pennsylvania looks at how sweat glands develop and function, with the goal of informing treatments for people who suffer traumatic skin injuries.
-
Cardiovascular risk planning and reduction for men with prostate cancer
A program to better predict and reduce heart disease risk in men treated for prostate cancer, especially older patients.
-
Understanding how a special airway cell helps protect and repair breathing passages
A researcher is studying a newly found airway cell called the hillock to see how it protects the airways and helps repair them after injury, with the aim of helping people with asthma, COPD, or bronchiectasis.
-
Defining TMJ cartilage progenitors and their regulatory niche for TMJ regeneration
Researchers are studying the cells that could help repair the jaw’s cartilage in TMJ osteoarthritis to lay the groundwork for regenerative therapies.
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.