NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Investigating the safety and effectiveness of CRISPR gene editing techniques

Official title: Replication Study of Off-Target Assays for Guide RNAs in CRISPR-Based Therapeutics

Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11200059 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at ways to make CRISPR gene editing safer and more effective for people with conditions like Leber's congenital amaurosis by checking for any unintended effects that might happen during the process.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Madison, United States)
Project startDecember 1, 2024
Project endApril 30, 2025
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$77,750
NIH project number3U19NS132296-02S2
Project IDNIH-11200059 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with genetic conditions, particularly those affected by Leber's congenital amaurosis.

Less likely to help

Patients with conditions unrelated to genetic disorders or those not amenable to CRISPR-based therapies may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving CRISPR-based gene editing by examining the off-target effects that can occur when using guide RNAs. By comparing results from different laboratories, the study aims to identify the most reliable assays for assessing these off-target effects. This will involve using contract research organizations to conduct genome-wide assays, which will help establish best practices for the safe application of CRISPR therapies. The ultimate goal is to enhance the safety and efficacy of gene editing treatments for conditions like Leber's congenital amaurosis.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective CRISPR therapies for patients with genetic disorders.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in improving CRISPR techniques, but this specific approach to standardizing off-target assays is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Wisconsin-Madison
    Madison, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Saha, Krishanu — University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Study coordinator: Saha, Krishanu

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.