New methods to improve gene delivery for studying brain circuits
Official title: Novel Cre-Dependent AAVs with Minimal Off-Target Expression to Study Neural Circuits
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11128555 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about finding better ways to deliver genes that help us learn about how the brain works, using special tools that make sure these genes only activate in the right places, and it's being tested in mice to make sure it works well.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $426,939 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH135905-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11128555 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals with neurological conditions that could be studied using advanced gene delivery techniques.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to neural circuit function or those not amenable to gene therapy approaches may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the delivery of genes that help study neural circuits in the brain. It aims to improve the precision of gene expression by using a modified viral vector system that minimizes unintended gene activation. By addressing issues of off-target expression, the researchers hope to create more reliable tools for understanding brain function. This work involves testing new designs in laboratory mice to ensure that gene expression occurs only where intended.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate studies of brain function and potentially improve treatments for neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in improving gene delivery systems, but this specific approach to minimizing off-target effects is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perez-Reyes, Edward — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Perez-Reyes, Edward
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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.