Developing genetically modified opossums for biomedical research
Official title: Creation of Knockout Laboratory Opossums
Funded at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley · NIH-10773200 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating special lab opossums that have been modified to help scientists better understand human diseases, making it easier for researchers across the country to use them in their work.
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) | $222,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21OD034473-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10773200 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be researchers and scientists in the field of biomedical research who require genetically modified animal models.
✕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 direct benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating genetically modified laboratory opossums, which are valuable models for studying human diseases and developmental processes. The project aims to implement advanced gene-editing techniques to knock out specific genes in opossums, thereby enhancing their utility in biomedical research. By establishing a centralized resource for gene-edited opossums, the research will facilitate access for investigators across the United States, allowing for more efficient and cost-effective studies. The principal investigator is leveraging successful methods developed by a Japanese group to optimize these gene-editing procedures in their laboratory.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly advance our understanding of various human diseases and developmental processes through improved animal models.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success with similar gene-editing approaches in various animal models, indicating a promising potential for this novel application in 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.