Precision liver cancer models using CRISPR edits in human liver cells
Official title: Precision Liver Cancer Modeling by CRISPR Editing of Primary Human Hepatocytes
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11373656 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new NIH-funded project aims to create better patient-friendly liver cancer models by editing primary human liver cells to mimic the genetic diversity seen in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 5, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $412,249 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA292350-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11373656 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or at risk for HCC who may benefit from future personalized therapies could be connected to related research.
✕Less likely to help
Direct treatment for individual patients is not part of this early modeling project and no immediate clinical care changes are expected.
What this research studies
This project focuses on building versatile lab models that reflect the molecular variety of HCC, which could lead to more effective, personalized therapies. Researchers will introduce specific driver gene mutations into primary human hepatocytes to recreate clinically relevant tumor features. The goal is to overcome current model limitations that hinder understanding which mutations drive therapy responses. The work includes developing both in vitro cell models and scalable approaches that could inform future treatments. If successful, these models may streamline testing of targeted therapies and locoregional approaches in a human-relevant context.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could accelerate the development of targeted treatments tailored to a patient’s specific tumor genetics.
How similar studies have gone: Previous models have struggled with heterogeneity; this project aims to improve accuracy by using defined driver mutations in human cells, an approach with promising potential but still early stage.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elkhadragy, Lobna — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Elkhadragy, Lobna
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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.