Broad-spectrum DNA recorder to map cellular history
Official title: Broad-spectrum DNA recording to enable the next generation of developmental biology
Funded at Rice University · NIH-11429846 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new tool using CRISPR-based DNA recording is being developed to log historical cellular events inside living cells, helping researchers understand development and organoid formation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rice University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $405,251 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM166390-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11429846 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable for this grant as described; this is a basic science tool development project.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient involvement or immediate clinical benefit in this phase.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a flexible DNA recording system that writes a permanent history of cellular events into the genome. Researchers will engineer inducible promoters, enable multi-site recording by using natural genomic repeats, and improve editing efficiency to capture more events over time. The work involves cellular models and organisms to show how temporal gene expression can be reconstructed after development or organoid formation. The goal is to provide a window into the sequence of biological events without needing continuous real-time observation. If successful, this could transform how we study development and cell behavior at the single-cell level.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit in the long term from improved understanding of developmental biology and disease processes, informing future therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous DNA-recording approaches exist but this project aims to overcome major limitations with a broader, modular recording platform.
Where this research is happening
-
Rice University
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Loveless, Theresa Berens — Rice University
- Study coordinator: Loveless, Theresa Berens
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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.