Creating antibodies to improve research in animal models
Official title: Production and Validation of monoclonal antibodies to enhance rigor and reproducibility in research vertebrate animal model
Funded at University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-11094559 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating special proteins called antibodies that will help scientists better understand how genes work and how diseases develop in animals like axolotls and frogs, making research more reliable and useful for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $490,145 |
| NIH project number | 1R24OD038109-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11094559 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with genetic disorders or diseases that are being studied using animal models, particularly those related to amphibian biology.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have conditions related to the genetic mechanisms being studied or who are not involved in research utilizing these specific animal models may not receive direct benefits.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing and validating monoclonal antibodies that can enhance the rigor and reproducibility of studies using vertebrate animal models, particularly amphibians like axolotls and frogs. By producing antibodies that specifically target proteins in these animals, researchers aim to better understand gene functions and disease mechanisms. The project will utilize advanced techniques to manipulate protein expression and introduce mutations, allowing for more accurate testing of genetic influences on development and disease. This work is essential for improving the tools available for biomedical research and ensuring that findings are reliable and applicable across different species.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and reliable biomedical research outcomes, ultimately benefiting patients through improved understanding and treatment of diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in developing antibodies for various animal models, but this specific approach targeting amphibians is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hadley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alfandari, Dominique R — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Alfandari, Dominique R
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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.