Barcoded single-cell genetic screening for personalized tumor models
Enabling in vivo barcoded single-cell multiomics-compatible genome-wide screens in personalized tumor models using defined-copy somatic transgenesis
Building a lab method that tags and tracks thousands of gene changes in personalized tumor models to help find better cancer treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11258878 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are creating a new suite of genetic tools (MADR Perturb-seq) that pairs CRISPR editing with molecular barcodes so each engineered change can be tracked in single cells. They will deliver defined genetic changes into mouse tumor models using electroporation and also test inducible editing in human iPSC-derived organoids grown from patient cells. Each perturbation gets a unique barcode so scientists can read out effects on cell behavior and gene activity using single-cell multiomics. The team will optimize and validate the approach across different tumor contexts to make the method broadly usable.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people (or guardians of children) willing to donate tumor tissue or cells for lab-based modeling, such as patients with brain tumors.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatment or those unable to donate tissue samples are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this lab-focused development project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could speed discovery of cancer driver genes and drug targets and help accelerate development of more personalized therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Related CRISPR and Perturb-seq approaches have shown success in cell lines and organoids, but applying barcoded single-cell screens in living mouse models is newer and still experimental.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Breunig, Joshua John — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Breunig, Joshua John
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.