Improving DNA extraction from preserved tissue samples for better sequencing results
Official title: Developing a New Nucleic Acid Extraction Technology to Enable High Quality DNA Sequencing for Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded Tissue Samples
Funded at Vellum Biotechnology, INC. · NIH-11186794 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to get better DNA from preserved tissue samples, which can help doctors and researchers understand diseases more clearly, and it’s designed for patients whose tissue has been stored for testing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vellum Biotechnology, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Palo Alto, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,020,280 |
| NIH project number | 1R44HG014445-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11186794 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals whose tissue samples have been preserved as FFPET and are needed for genetic analysis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tissue samples are not preserved as FFPET or who do not require genetic analysis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the extraction of DNA from formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue (FFPET) samples, which have been used for over a century to store patient tissue. The team at Vellum Biotechnology is developing a new technology called epitachophoresis (ETP) to improve the yield and quality of nucleic acids extracted from these samples. By addressing the challenges of traditional purification methods, this approach aims to provide more reliable and high-quality DNA for next-generation sequencing, which is crucial for both diagnostics and research. Patients' preserved tissue samples will be utilized to validate the effectiveness of this new extraction method.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate genetic analyses, improving diagnostic capabilities and personalized treatment options for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in improving DNA extraction techniques, but this specific approach using epitachophoresis is novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Vellum Biotechnology, INC.
Palo Alto, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Astier, Yann — Vellum Biotechnology, INC.
- Study coordinator: Astier, Yann
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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New method to purify DNA/RNA from archived tissue to enable better sequencing
A new method using epitachophoresis to extract high-quality nucleic acids from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue, helping researchers get better DNA and RNA data from precious patient samples.
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.