Understanding how stem cells grow and move
Extreme cell growth in support of stem cell proliferation and niche exit
This project explores how stem cells in the body grow and change, using a tiny worm to learn more about these important processes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11122212 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies rely on stem cells to repair and replace tissues, and this project aims to understand how these cells are controlled. We are looking at how stem cells receive signals from their surroundings to decide whether to make more copies of themselves or to become specialized cells. By studying these processes in a small organism called C. elegans, which is easy to observe, we hope to uncover fundamental rules that also apply to human stem cells. This work will help us learn how stem cells maintain themselves and how they transition into different cell types.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patients, but future applications could benefit individuals with conditions related to stem cell dysfunction or tissue repair.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical interventions will not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide foundational knowledge about stem cell behavior, which is crucial for understanding diseases involving uncontrolled cell growth or tissue regeneration.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on C. elegans for these dynamic cell structures is unique, many basic science studies using model organisms have successfully revealed principles applicable to human biology.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gordon, Kacy Lynn — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Gordon, Kacy Lynn
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.