Creating mutant models in frogs to study human diseases
Official title: Xenopus Mutant Resource
Funded at Marine Biological Laboratory · NIH-10933890 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating special frog models to help scientists learn more about human diseases by using a cool gene-editing tool, so they can better understand how these diseases work and find new ways to treat them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Marine Biological Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Woods Hole, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $769,186 |
| NIH project number | 2R24OD030008-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933890 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in genetic diseases or those who may benefit from advancements in biomedical research related to human health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to the genetic models being studied in Xenopus may not receive any direct benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on generating and characterizing mutants of the amphibian Xenopus, which are linked to key genes associated with human diseases. Using advanced CRISPR-Cas gene editing techniques, the project aims to develop precise models that can help researchers better understand various diseases. The initiative includes collaboration with other researchers to characterize existing mutants and create new ones, as well as developing transgenic lines for more targeted genome editing. These efforts will provide valuable resources for the biomedical research community.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new models that enhance our understanding of human diseases and potentially improve treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research utilizing CRISPR-Cas technology in model organisms has shown promising results, indicating that this approach has the potential for significant advancements in understanding human diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
Marine Biological Laboratory
Woods Hole, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Horb, Marko E — Marine Biological Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Horb, Marko E
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Improving cryopreservation of Xenopus sperm for accessible transgenic research
This grant supports the National Xenopus Resource to improve storing Xenopus sperm so researchers can reliably create transgenic embryos.
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Curation and informatics for the National Xenopus Resource
This grant helps improve how information about Xenopus resources is organized and shared with scientists and educators.
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National Xenopus Resource Center for amphibian model research
A national center provides Xenopus frog stocks, training, and resources to researchers to advance biology using this amphibian model.
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Understanding how epithelial tubes form and stay intact in sea-star and other animals
A new NIH grant will study how tiny tubes in tissues are built and kept healthy, using sea star models to learn science that could impact human organ development.
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Xenopus Mutant Resource for human-disease models
This NIH grant helps the Marine Biological Laboratory create and share Xenopus frog models of human diseases, using CRISPR to build precise genetic mutations and new lines for genome editing.
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.