Understanding how CRISPR-Cas systems defend bacteria
Official title: Defining Mechanisms of Diverse CRISPR-Cas Complexes
Funded at Iowa State University · NIH-11260586 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how CRISPR-Cas defense systems protect bacteria from phages and how these tools can be harnessed for biotechnologies that could benefit health and medicine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Iowa State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ames, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $421,579 |
| NIH project number | 2R35GM140876-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11260586 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not a patient-facing study; focus is on bacterial systems and biotechnology applications
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient involvement or recruitment is expected in this project
What this research studies
This project investigates how CRISPR-Cal systems distinguish beneficial bacteria from harmful invaders and how spacers guide memory of past infections. Using cellular, biochemical, and structural methods, the team will map the steps of CRISPR immunity from spacer acquisition to target destruction. The work aims to clarify how changes in CRISPR components affect specificity and outcomes, with an eye toward improving CRISPR-based applications in diagnostics and therapy. Results could help scientists design safer, more precise gene-editing and diagnostic tools that leverage bacterial defense mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Gains in understanding CRISPR specificity could lead to safer and more effective CRISPR-based diagnostics and therapeutics.
How similar studies have gone: Previous CRISPR research has yielded detailed mechanistic insights; this project seeks to extend that knowledge to improve biotechnological use
Where this research is happening
-
Iowa State University
Ames, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sashital, Dipali Gurudutt — Iowa State University
- Study coordinator: Sashital, Dipali Gurudutt
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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.