Next-generation design of acoustic reporter genes for deeper, clearer imaging
Official title: Next-generation design of acoustic reporter genes with optimal assembly
Funded at Rice University · NIH-11389475 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new NIH grant aims to improve acoustic reporters that let doctors and scientists see which genes are active inside living tissues using ultrasound, reaching deeper than traditional light-based methods.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rice University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $375,371 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM155015-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11389475 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals whose conditions could be studied through noninvasive ultrasound-based imaging of gene activity in the future.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not involved in ultrasound imaging studies or who do not have diseases that would be studied with gene-expression reporters may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project works on gas vesicle reporters that enable imaging gene activity with ultrasound, allowing researchers to visualize processes deep inside the body without relying on light. The team will investigate why these gas vesicles assemble poorly in non-native hosts and develop better design strategies. The goal is to make acoustic imaging more reliable and applicable in real tissues, potentially guiding future therapies. The research combines fundamental biology with engineering to enhance how we visualize gene expression in living systems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable deeper, noninvasive imaging of gene activity to support safer, more targeted therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior acoustic reporter gene work has shown promise in imaging gene expression in tissues; improvements in assembly and host compatibility are needed for broader use.
Where this research is happening
-
Rice University
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, George J — Rice University
- Study coordinator: Lu, George J
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.