Targeting bladder cancer using CRISPR technology
Official title: Precision targeting of bladder cancer using CRISPR
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11031959 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to treat bladder cancer using a special technology called CRISPR that targets the specific genetic changes causing the cancer, aiming to make the treatment more effective and with fewer side effects, and it will first be tested in mice before moving to humans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | February 9, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $568,773 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA285730-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031959 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with locally invasive bladder cancer who have limited treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-invasive bladder cancer or those who do not have structural variants in their tumors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to treat bladder cancer by using CRISPR technology to specifically target and disrupt genetic alterations that drive tumor growth. The method, known as KLIPP, utilizes a split enzyme system to create targeted DNA breaks in cancer cells while sparing normal cells. By focusing on structural variant junctions unique to bladder cancer, this approach aims to improve treatment efficacy and reduce side effects. The research will involve pre-clinical testing in mouse models to evaluate the effectiveness of this targeted therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer treatment options for patients with bladder cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results using CRISPR technology for cancer treatment, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ljungman, Mats — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Ljungman, Mats
Related research
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Population modeling to reduce bladder cancer burden
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Blocking a new immune checkpoint in bladder cancer
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Nrf2 in T cells and how it could boost immune power against bladder cancer
A small grant will explore how a T-cell protein called Nrf2 affects muscle-invasive bladder cancer and whether targeting it could help patients respond better to immune therapies.
-
Understanding why bladder cancer spreads and resists treatment
This grant studies how advanced bladder cancer changes and spreads across the body, aiming to uncover why it’s hard to treat.
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Molecular clues to bladder cancer cell changes and therapy response
This NIH grant looks at how bladder cancer cells change their identity and how that affects response to treatment, with a focus on aggressive neuroendocrine variants.
-
Repurposing spironolactone to treat bladder cancer inside the bladder
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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.