Gene-editing and single-cell methods to find better cancer targets
Bay Area Cancer Target Discovery and Development
Using CRISPR gene-editing together with single-cell and lineage-tracing tools to find combinations of targets that could lead to better treatments for people with breast and other cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11169791 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses CRISPR gene-editing screens, single-cell profiling, and lineage-tracing to map how different genes and cell states drive tumor growth and treatment resistance. Researchers test combinations of genetic targets in lab-grown tumor models and in vivo models to find weaknesses that can be exploited by drugs. They combine computational analysis and pharmacologic testing to prioritize targets that are most likely to work across diverse tumor cells. The goal is to move the most promising targets toward therapies that could help patients with resistant or heterogeneous tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with breast cancer or other solid tumors, especially those with relapsed or treatment-resistant disease, would be most likely to benefit from findings and could be candidates for future clinical opportunities.
Not a fit: People with non-cancerous conditions or cancers not driven by the genetic changes studied are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new drug targets and combinations that overcome tumor heterogeneity and therapy resistance, enabling more effective cancer treatments.
How similar studies have performed: CRISPR screening and single-cell approaches have identified promising targets in laboratory studies, but translating those findings into approved patient treatments is still early and ongoing.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcmanus, Michael T — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Mcmanus, Michael T
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 below.