Tiny DNA Machines for Disease Detection
Official title: Developing DNA-Based Molecular Robots
Funded at North Carolina Agri & Tech St Univ · NIH-11091483 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project aims to create miniature DNA-based machines that can find and respond to signs of diseases like breast cancer in the body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina Agri & Tech St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Greensboro, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $144,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM145671-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11091483 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational work is not yet recruiting patients, but future applications could benefit individuals seeking earlier or less invasive detection and treatment options for conditions like breast cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not interested in or do not qualify for future advanced diagnostic or therapeutic technologies may not directly benefit from this early-stage research.
What this research studies
We are working to build intelligent molecular machines made from DNA that can identify specific disease markers, such as those found in breast cancer cells. These tiny machines are designed to detect particular RNA molecules and then generate amplified signals or specific gene products as a response. The goal is to develop a prototype that could eventually lead to new ways to detect and treat diseases more conveniently and less invasively. This early work focuses on proving that these DNA machines can successfully target and react to disease indicators.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this technology could lead to less invasive, more affordable, and more convenient methods for diagnosing and treating various diseases in the future.
How similar studies have gone: While the overall approach is novel, preliminary data from the research team suggests the feasibility of building these DNA-based molecular components.
Where this research is happening
-
North Carolina Agri & Tech St Univ
Greensboro, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zadegan, Reza — North Carolina Agri & Tech St Univ
- Study coordinator: Zadegan, Reza
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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.