Making genetic screening in living organs easier and more useful
Improving accessibility and efficacy of in vivo forward genetic screening
Researchers are creating new CRISPR-based tools to find which genes affect disease-related traits inside real organs like the heart.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11021196 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project aims to adapt powerful genetic screening methods so they work directly inside living tissues rather than only in lab-grown cells. The team will develop and test CRISPR-based pooled forward genetic screens while addressing technical hurdles that have limited in vivo use. For a proof of concept they will focus on the heart and study control of Nppa, a gene linked to the heart biomarker ANP. The approaches are intended to be usable in other organs such as the brain, helping scientists pinpoint genes that drive disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant does not enroll patients directly, though people with heart conditions could be candidates for future studies or sample donation using the methods developed here.
Not a fit: Because this is methods-focused laboratory research, patients should not expect direct or immediate clinical benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could speed discovery of genes and pathways that cause or protect against heart and brain diseases and help guide new diagnostics or targeted treatments.
How similar studies have performed: CRISPR pooled genetic screens have delivered strong results in cultured cells, but reliably applying these screens inside living organs remains relatively new and less proven.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vandusen, Nathan James — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Vandusen, Nathan James
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.