Improving gene editing techniques in the worm C. elegans
Official title: Genome engineering in the nematode C. elegans
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11007259 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on making it easier and faster to edit genes using a special tool called CRISPR in tiny worms called C. elegans, which could help scientists learn more about how genes work and improve research in biology.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $285,516 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM146005-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11007259 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with genetic conditions that could be studied or treated through advancements in gene editing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to genetic modifications in model organisms like C. elegans may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing gene editing methods using CRISPR technology in the model organism C. elegans, a type of nematode. The project aims to simplify and speed up the process of tagging genes, which is crucial for understanding their functions. By developing new techniques that allow multiple genes to be modified simultaneously, the researchers hope to make genetic engineering more efficient and accessible. This could lead to significant advancements in biological research and applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could greatly enhance our ability to study gene functions and develop new treatments for genetic disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success with CRISPR techniques in various organisms, indicating a promising potential for this approach in C. elegans.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jorgensen, Erik M — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Jorgensen, Erik M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Evaluating a new injectable contraceptive for women
This study is testing a new long-lasting birth control shot called levonorgestrel butanoate, especially for women who are overweight and at risk for blood clots, to see if it works well and is safe without the added hormones found in other methods.
-
Understanding how cells respond to changes in membrane tension
This study looks at how yeast cells react when their outer layer gets stretched or squeezed due to changes in their environment, helping us understand how they stay healthy and function properly.
-
A program to lead and conduct clinical trials for gastrointestinal cancers.
This study is all about finding better treatments for gastrointestinal cancers, and it invites patients to join exciting clinical trials at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, where expert doctors are working together to discover new therapies that could help improve their health.
-
New treatment for high phosphate levels in kidney disease patients
This study is testing a new way to help people with chronic kidney disease and those on dialysis lower their high phosphate levels in the blood by using special materials that can quickly and safely remove excess phosphate, offering a better option than current treatments.
-
Testing new treatments to help manage epilepsy
This study is looking at new treatments and devices to help people with epilepsy, especially those who have trouble with their current medications, to see if they can better control their seizures and improve their daily lives.
-
Exploring how flexible emotion regulation affects stress and emotional disorders in ethnic minority college students
This study looks at how college students from different ethnic backgrounds handle their feelings when faced with everyday stress, like discrimination and money worries, to see how this affects their anxiety and depression, and it aims to provide helpful insights for them.
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.