Developing tools to control protein function in zebrafish
Official title: Engineering Tools for Rapid Loss of Protein Function with Spatio-Temporal Control in Zebrafish
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10813162 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to use a tool called zGrad that helps scientists turn off certain proteins in zebrafish at just the right moments and places, which could help us learn more about how these proteins affect cell survival and other important biological processes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $254,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD110690-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10813162 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals interested in genetic disorders or developmental biology, particularly those with conditions related to protein function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to genetic or protein function may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving a genetic tool called zGrad, which allows scientists to inactivate specific proteins in zebrafish at precise times and locations. By enhancing this tool, researchers aim to better understand rapid biological processes and the role of proteins in cell survival. The approach involves tagging proteins for degradation, enabling the study of their functions without the delay caused by existing protein products. This could lead to significant advancements in genetic research and developmental biology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new insights into gene function and protein interactions, potentially leading to breakthroughs in understanding various biological processes.
How similar studies have gone: Similar approaches have shown promise in other model organisms, suggesting potential for success in this novel application in zebrafish.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Knaut, Holger — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Knaut, Holger
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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.