Catheter-delivered gene editing for the bladder lining
Intravesical genome editing in urothelium
Trying a catheter-based way to deliver gene-editing tools to the bladder lining to help adults with bladder lining conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11171487 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is developing a method to edit genes in the bladder urothelium by delivering gene-editing agents through the urethra. Researchers will test viral and other delivery reagents and optimize doses, timing, and procedures in live mice to find safe and efficient approaches. The team aims to create a reproducible, cost-effective protocol that speeds lab research on urothelial biology and disease. Although the work is currently preclinical in animals, the technique is designed around standard catheter access so it could be adapted for future human research.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with urothelial conditions such as recurrent bladder inflammation or urothelial (transitional cell) bladder cancer would be the likely candidates for future human studies using this approach.
Not a fit: People under 21, those without urothelial conditions, and anyone seeking immediate therapeutic benefit should not expect direct benefit because this project is preclinical.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could speed development of gene-based tests and treatments for bladder diseases by making experiments faster and more accessible.
How similar studies have performed: Gene-editing and viral delivery have shown success in other tissues and laboratory models, but catheter-based genome editing of the bladder lining is largely new and remains at the preclinical stage.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Xue-Ru — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Wu, Xue-Ru
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.