Improving the delivery of DNA-editing proteins to immune cells
Intracellular delivery of DNA-editing proteins by viscoelastic cell stretching
This study is looking at a new way to make gene editing in immune cells faster and easier, which could help improve treatments for cancer and other diseases by using a special method to deliver DNA-editing tools quickly and gently.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Carnegie-Mellon University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11080110 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the efficiency of gene editing in immune cells, which are crucial for therapies targeting cancer and other diseases. The approach involves using a novel microfluidic method that stretches the plasma membrane of cells without direct contact, allowing for the rapid and gentle delivery of DNA-editing proteins like CRISPR-Cas9. By achieving this at a rate of over 100 million cells per minute, the research aims to streamline the production of engineered T cells, making the process faster and more effective for clinical applications.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that may benefit from advanced immune cell therapies, particularly those involving T cell engineering.
Not a fit: Patients who are not candidates for immune cell therapies or those with conditions unrelated to cancer may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the production of effective immune cell therapies for cancer treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using innovative delivery methods for gene editing, but this specific approach using viscoelastic cell stretching is novel.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- Carnegie-Mellon University — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sevenler, Derin — Carnegie-Mellon University
- Study coordinator: Sevenler, Derin
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.