Creating a gene-editing system to fight a dangerous mold infection
Official title: Development of M-Drive: A recyclable Mucor-optimized CAS9 gene-drive system cable of multi-target gene editing
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-10873880 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new tool to change the genes of a mold that can cause serious infections in people with weakened immune systems, with the goal of finding out why it resists antifungal treatments and improving how we can treat these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $83,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R03AI178552-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10873880 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are immunocompromised individuals who are at risk of or currently suffering from mucormycosis caused by Mucor circinelloides.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fungal infections caused by other pathogens or those who are not immunocompromised may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new gene-editing tool specifically designed to target and modify the genes of Mucor circinelloides, a mold responsible for severe infections in immunocompromised patients. By utilizing a recyclable Cas9 gene-drive system, the project aims to identify genetic factors that contribute to the mold's resistance to antifungal treatments. This innovative approach could lead to a better understanding of how to combat these infections and improve treatment options for affected patients. The research will involve genetic manipulation techniques to explore the mold's biology and its response to antifungal therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that enhance the effectiveness of antifungal treatments for patients suffering from mucormycosis.
How similar studies have gone: While gene-editing technologies like CRISPR have shown promise in other areas, this specific approach targeting Mucor circinelloides is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rybak, Jeffrey M. — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Rybak, Jeffrey M.
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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.