Investigating how adeno-associated viruses target the nervous system
Whole-animal, high-resolution imaging of AAV tropism for the nervous system
This study is looking at how special viruses can help deliver gene therapies to the nervous system, with the goal of finding better and safer treatments for conditions that don’t have a cure yet.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lebanon, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10573694 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) can be used to deliver gene therapies specifically to the nervous system. By developing high-resolution imaging techniques, the project aims to profile how effectively these viruses can infect different types of cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The approach involves using advanced imaging methods to assess the efficiency of various AAV vectors, which could lead to safer and more effective gene therapies for conditions that currently have no cure. Patients may benefit from improved treatment options as the research seeks to enhance the precision of gene delivery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurological disorders that could benefit from gene therapy, such as spinal muscular atrophy or certain types of cancer.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to the nervous system or those who do not respond to gene therapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer gene therapies for neurological conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using AAVs for gene therapy, but this specific approach to high-resolution imaging and profiling is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Lebanon, United States
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic — Lebanon, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hong, Jennifer — Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic
- Study coordinator: Hong, Jennifer
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.