Understanding How CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing Works
Official title: Investigating the metal-dependent function, allostery and inhibition of CRISPR-Cas9
Funded at University of California Riverside · NIH-11365161 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project aims to understand the tiny details of how CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing works to help make it better and safer for treating human diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Riverside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $85,191 |
| NIH project number | 3R01GM141329-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11365161 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients who might benefit from future gene-editing therapies for genetic diseases are the ultimate focus of this foundational work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients will not directly participate in or receive immediate benefit from this fundamental laboratory research.
What this research studies
This project dives deep into the fundamental workings of CRISPR-Cas9, a powerful gene-editing tool that holds great promise for treating many human genetic diseases. We are exploring how this tool uses different metal ions to cut DNA and how its internal controls (allostery) help it target specific genes more accurately. We also want to understand how natural inhibitors can stop CRISPR-Cas9, which could help us control its activity better. By understanding these tiny details, we hope to make gene editing safer and more precise for future treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Success in this area could lead to more precise and controllable CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing tools, making future gene therapies safer and more effective for a wide range of genetic conditions.
How similar studies have gone: CRISPR-Cas9 technology has shown success in initial applications, but this project explores novel, detailed mechanisms to enhance its precision and control.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Riverside
Riverside, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Palermo, Giulia — University of California Riverside
- Study coordinator: Palermo, Giulia
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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.