Understanding why similar cells behave differently in stem cells and cancer
Modeling transcriptional and post-transcriptional systems for regulating non-genetic heterogeneity in mammalian cells
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS DALLAS · NIH-11087465
This work builds computer models and lab tests to explain why genetically similar cells can act differently, which matters for people with cancers and degenerative conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS DALLAS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (RICHARDSON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11087465 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project combines computer-based mathematical models with laboratory experiments to study non-genetic differences between mammalian cells from the patient perspective. Researchers will create new analysis methods for gene regulatory networks and gene expression data while running experiments in systems modeling motor neuron development and epithelial–mesenchymal changes relevant to tumors. The team will test a new theoretical idea called a "diverging oscillator" to explain how progenitor cells shift between flexible and committed states and how cell populations recover variability. Although the work is primarily lab and computational, the goal is clearer rules about cell behavior that could later help guide treatments for cancer and degenerative disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers that show drug resistance or with motor neuron/degenerative conditions would be most relevant to the findings and to potential sample-sharing or future clinical follow-up.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate new therapy are unlikely to benefit directly because this is lab- and model-focused basic science rather than a clinical treatment trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help predict and overcome drug resistance in cancer and improve approaches to stem cell–based therapies for degenerative diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Related modeling and experimental work has previously clarified some mechanisms of cell-fate decisions and drug resistance, but the specific "diverging oscillator" framework is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
RICHARDSON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS DALLAS — RICHARDSON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HONG, TIAN — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS DALLAS
- Study coordinator: HONG, TIAN
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.
Conditions: Cancers, Degenerative Disorder, Disease, Disorder