Researchers Secure Funding to Target Bystander Cells in Disease Fight
Researchers Zhibo Yang and Laura-Isobel McCall have been awarded nearly $500,000 from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to pursue their study on bystander cells in disease infection. This collaboration marks their second major effort together, building upon their previous research funded by the National Institutes of Health.
The researchers initially focused on infected cells, but upon observing the metabolic changes in nearby cells, they recognized the potential significance of studying these bystander cells. By examining the spatial aspect of disease progression, they hope to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms causing drug failure in cells infected with parasites, bacteria, and viruses.
While much of the scientific community has concentrated on cancer research, Yang and McCall aim to broaden the scope to include other pathogens. They believe their research will contribute to a better understanding of less well-known diseases.
The funding not only supports their innovative research but also provides training opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in Yang’s mass spectrometry lab at the University of Oklahoma and undergraduate students in McCall’s lab at San Diego State University. This hands-on experience will advance knowledge in the field and foster the application of mass spectrometry and mass spectrometry imaging in various areas of research.
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative’s Measuring Metabolism Across Scales recipients include a diverse range of projects. Yang and McCall’s proposal stands out as the sole infectious disease proposal and the only Oklahoma-based program selected during this funding round.
With a commitment to driving valuable scientific breakthroughs, the funding encourages researchers to explore single-cell mass spectrometry and mass spectrometry imaging as powerful tools for transformative research. The opportunity to delve into multiple areas of importance using this technology holds tremendous promise.
As Yang and McCall embark on this exciting research endeavor, their work will undoubtedly contribute to the broader understanding of disease progression and the development of innovative treatments. By targeting bystander cells, they hope to uncover new insights that could pave the way for more effective disease interventions.
In a world where diseases continue to pose significant challenges, the dedication and collaboration of researchers like Yang and McCall are essential in the ongoing fight against infections. Their groundbreaking work and the support from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative provide hope for advancements in the field of disease research and the potential for improved health outcomes worldwide.
