Understanding Metabolism in Health and Disease
C. elegans models of metabolism in health and disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER · NIH-11180274
This project explores how metabolism works and changes in health and illness, using tiny worms to learn more about human conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WORCESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11180274 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our bodies constantly use metabolism to grow, heal, and create energy, but sometimes genetic changes can disrupt these processes, leading to conditions like inborn errors of metabolism. We are using a small worm, called C. elegans, to understand how these metabolic problems affect the body at a basic level. By changing genes and diet in these worms, we can observe how their bodies respond and how environmental factors play a role. This work helps us discover fundamental ways an animal reacts to metabolic changes, which could offer new ideas for human health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with inborn errors of metabolism or other metabolic conditions might eventually benefit from the knowledge gained from this foundational research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical trials or direct therapeutic interventions would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could lead to a better understanding of human metabolic disorders, potentially guiding future treatments or interventions.
How similar studies have performed: While this specific approach in C. elegans is unique, using model organisms to understand human disease mechanisms is a well-established and successful scientific method.
Where this research is happening
WORCESTER, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER — WORCESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WALHOUT, A. J. MARIAN — UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER
- Study coordinator: WALHOUT, A. J. MARIAN
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.