Genetic tools to create better marmoset models of autism
Official title: A Genetic Engineering Toolbox for Marmosets (GETMarm): Development and optimization of genome editing and assisted reproduction techniques for marmoset models
Funded at Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NIH-11505088 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant aims to develop and refine genome editing methods in marmosets to create better animal models of autism for understanding the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $610,564 |
| NIH project number | 4U01DA054181-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11505088 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to patients directly; the project involves animal models to study autism biology.
✕Less likely to help
There is no direct benefit to people with autism in this animal study.
What this research studies
Researchers at MIT are expanding genetic tools to edit the marmoset genome, aiming to improve how accurately these primate models reflect autism-related brain function. The project focuses on increasing editing efficiency, reducing mosaicism, and identifying correctly edited embryos before transfer. It also seeks ways to control zygosity so researchers can study the effects of specific gene changes without unintended lethality. This work could pave the way for more relevant studies of autism biology and potential therapies using primate models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could advance autism research by providing more human-like animal models for testing treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous genome-editing efforts in non-human primates show promise but require further optimization for reliable, homozygous edits.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feng, Guoping — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Feng, Guoping
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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.