NIH-funded research R21 grant

Targeted delivery of genome editing tools to lung cells

Official title: Targeted Delivery of Cas9 to Lung Epithelial Cells using Enveloped Delivery Vehicles

Funded at J. David Gladstone Institutes · NIH-11061923 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new way to deliver gene-editing tools directly to lung cells to help treat lung diseases, using specially designed particles that can safely carry the treatment right where it's needed.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJ. David Gladstone Institutes
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2024
Project endMarch 31, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$283,500
NIH project number5R21HL173710-02
Project IDNIH-11061923 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from pulmonary diseases, particularly those involving lung epithelial cells.

Less likely to help

Patients with conditions unrelated to lung epithelial cells or those who do not require genome editing therapies may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new method to deliver genome editing tools specifically to lung epithelial cells, which are crucial in treating pulmonary diseases. The approach involves engineering virus-like particles, known as Enveloped Delivery Vehicles (EDVs), that can carry Cas9 proteins directly to the targeted cells. By enhancing the specificity of delivery, this research aims to minimize off-target effects and improve the safety and effectiveness of CRISPR-Cas9 treatments for lung conditions. The study will explore how these EDVs can encapsulate Cas9 and its guide RNA to ensure precise targeting.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer treatments for patients with lung diseases by enabling precise genome editing.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using engineered virus-like particles for targeted delivery, indicating potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • J. David Gladstone Institutes
    San Francisco, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Doudna, Jennifer a — J. David Gladstone Institutes
  • Study coordinator: Doudna, Jennifer a

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.