Creating genetically modified opossums for biomedical research
Official title: Creation of Knockout Laboratory Opossums
Funded at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley · NIH-11045802 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new ways to create gene-edited opossums, which are helpful for understanding human diseases, so that researchers in the U.S. can easily access these special animals for their studies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Rio Grande Valley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Edinburg, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $69,672 |
| NIH project number | 3R21OD034473-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045802 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include researchers and institutions looking to utilize laboratory opossums for biomedical studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in biomedical research or do not require animal models for their studies may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing gene-editing techniques for laboratory opossums, which are valuable models for studying human diseases and developmental processes. The project aims to establish a centralized resource that can efficiently produce gene-edited opossums, addressing a critical barrier in utilizing this species for biomedical research. By optimizing methods recently developed by a Japanese group, the research will enable the creation of genetically modified opossums that can be used by researchers across the United States. This initiative will enhance the availability of this unique animal model for various scientific inquiries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly advance our understanding of human diseases and developmental biology through the use of genetically modified opossums.
How similar studies have gone: Similar research efforts in gene editing have shown success in other animal models, indicating a promising potential for this novel approach with laboratory opossums.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vandeberg, John L — University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Study coordinator: Vandeberg, John L
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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.