Precision genome editing tools to study disease-related genetic variants in animals
Official title: Development of Precision Genome Editing Tools for the Functional Characterization of Genetic Variants
Funded at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation · NIH-11349772 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A grant to develop and test advanced CRISPR-based tools in zebrafish so scientists can quickly and accurately figure out how human genetic variants affect disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $805,745 |
| NIH project number | 1R24OD040592-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11349772 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals whose health conditions are linked to specific genetic variants that require functional interpretation in model systems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without variants of uncertain significance or without access to research participation may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses zebrafish as a live model to test how single-nucleotide changes found in patients influence disease. It focuses on creating high-fidelity editing methods, a deep learning design tool for guides, and next-generation editors to model SNVs with fewer bystander effects. The goal is a scalable, in vivo platform that speeds functional interpretation of human genetic variants. The work blends laboratory editing with computational design to improve accuracy and efficiency in modeling disease variants. If successful, these tools could streamline understanding of patient variants and guide future therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from faster and more accurate interpretation of uncertain genetic variants, potentially informing diagnosis and personalized care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous models have shown that improved CRISPR editing and computational design can enhance precision, but applying this at high throughput in vivo for human variants is still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Varshney, Gaurav K — Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
- Study coordinator: Varshney, Gaurav K
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.