Understanding how plants sense and respond to drought stress

Osmotic Stress Sensing and Signal Transduction in Arabidopsis

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-11091464

This study looks at how a small plant called Arabidopsis senses and reacts to drought conditions by tracking changes in calcium levels in its cells, helping us understand how it produces a hormone that helps it survive when it's dry.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-11091464 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the plant Arabidopsis detects and responds to hyperosmotic stress, which is a condition that can occur during drought. By studying the rapid changes in calcium levels within the plant cells, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that trigger stress responses and the production of a hormone called abscisic acid, which helps plants cope with dehydration. The study utilizes genetic screening and innovative techniques to identify key components involved in this signaling process, providing insights that could improve plant resilience to drought conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include agricultural scientists, farmers, and stakeholders in food production who are affected by drought conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with no interest in agricultural science or those not involved in food production may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to enhanced agricultural practices that improve crop resilience to drought, ultimately benefiting food security.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding plant stress responses, making this approach a continuation of established scientific inquiry.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.