Understanding how certain bacterial elements insert DNA in a specific direction.
Official title: Structural and evolutionary basis for insertion unidirectionality in RNA-guided DNA transposition systems
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, LLC · NIH-11180723 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a special tool called CRISPR-associated transposons that can help scientists insert DNA into specific spots in genes, and it aims to understand how this tool works in one direction, which could lead to better ways to fix genetic disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $47,694 |
| NIH project number | 7F31GM151863-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11180723 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would be individuals with genetic disorders caused by gene mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions not related to genetic mutations may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates CRISPR-associated transposons (CAST), which are bacterial genetic elements capable of inserting DNA into specific locations in the genome using a provided RNA sequence. By focusing on the unidirectionality of this insertion process, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that allow CASTs to insert DNA in a single orientation. The project employs advanced techniques like cryo-electron microscopy to visualize the structural components involved in this process, which could lead to improved genome editing tools for treating genetic disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective gene therapies for genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using CASTs for gene therapy is relatively novel, similar genetic editing techniques have shown promise in other research.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, LLC
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Truong, Vinh H — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, LLC
- Study coordinator: Truong, Vinh H
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding genetic causes of childhood epilepsy
This study is looking at the genetic reasons behind serious brain disorders in children that cause seizures and are hard to treat, with the hope of finding better, personalized treatments for those who haven't been diagnosed yet.
-
Understanding how certain cells turn into rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of cancer.
This study is looking into how certain cells that aren't muscle cells can turn into rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of aggressive cancer that affects kids, to help us understand why this happens and find better ways to treat it.
-
Investigating the role of SOX8 in muscle development and a type of childhood cancer.
This study is looking at how a gene called SOX8 affects muscle growth and its connection to rhabdomyosarcoma, a serious cancer that affects kids, to find new ways to help treat young patients with this condition.
-
How metabolic signals affect the function of immune cells involved in cancer and autoimmune diseases
This study is looking at how the way Treg cells use energy affects their ability to help or hinder the immune system, which is important for people with cancer or autoimmune diseases, and the goal is to find better treatments that could improve immunotherapy and manage these conditions.
-
Understanding how sickle cell disease affects blood stem cells
This study is looking at how sickle cell disease affects the blood-forming stem cells and their support system in the bone marrow, focusing on how certain cells change and what that means for people with sickle cell disease.
-
Investigating how cancer-associated fibroblasts affect tumor growth in pediatric neuroblastoma
This study is looking at how certain cells in tumors, called cancer-associated fibroblasts, affect the growth of neuroblastoma in kids, with the hope that understanding these interactions can help improve treatment and outcomes for young patients.
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.