Mapping vertebrate genes and mitochondrial functions
Systematic Vertebrate Functional Genomics
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN · NIH-11131276
Using zebrafish and other vertebrate models to discover what unstudied genes do and how they relate to human genetic and mitochondrial disorders.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (AUSTIN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11131276 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
As a patient, I would hear that researchers use vertebrate animals, especially zebrafish, to turn off or alter genes and watch the effects on development, cell biology, and organ function. They focus on poorly understood genes across many genomes, with special attention to hundreds of proteins that live in mitochondria. The team uses loss-of-function approaches and systematic screening to link genes to processes like metabolism, apoptosis, and aging. Their goal is to build a large reference of gene functions that helps explain disease-linked genes found by human sequencing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with suspected or confirmed genetic or mitochondrial disorders, or those willing to share clinical data or biospecimens to help link genes to disease, would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People with conditions unrelated to genetic causes or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to get direct short-term benefit from this basic science program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could help identify genetic causes of disease and point to new diagnostic markers or treatment targets for genetic and mitochondrial disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work using model organisms like zebrafish has successfully linked many genes to biological roles, but a systematic, genome-scale annotation effort is still relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
AUSTIN, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN — AUSTIN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: EKKER, STEPHEN CARL — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
- Study coordinator: EKKER, STEPHEN CARL
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.