Testing safer somatic gene-editing using pig models

Genome Editing and Biological Effects Testing: Somatic Cell Gene Editing Testing

NIH-funded research University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-11182509

This project develops and tests gene-editing methods in pig models to help people with genetic conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11182509 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

They create pig models that carry human genetic targets so researchers can test gene-editing tools before trying them in people. The Resource team breeds, validates, cryopreserves, and supplies these large-animal models to investigators. The Testing team runs standardized procedures to check safety and biological effects and produces detailed reports. A central coordination group preserves data and shares results to speed translation toward human therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with inherited or somatic genetic conditions that might be treated by gene-editing therapies are the eventual beneficiaries of this work.

Not a fit: Patients without targetable genetic mutations or those needing immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this resource-focused project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could make gene-editing treatments safer and more reliable for people with genetic diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Cell and small-animal gene-editing studies have shown promise, but standardized testing in large animals like pigs is less common and this resource fills a relatively novel translational gap.

Where this research is happening

Columbia, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.