NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding human diseases using zebrafish models

Official title: Multimodal phenotyping of zebrafish models of human disease

Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11113836 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is exploring how scientists can use zebrafish to better understand human diseases by using cool tools like CRISPR, which helps them change genes, and new methods to quickly create and study these models, making it easier to see how genetic changes can impact health.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Utah
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Salt Lake City, United States)
Project startJune 15, 2024
Project endMay 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$769,325
NIH project number5R24OD035409-02
Project IDNIH-11113836 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with genetic diseases that could be modeled in zebrafish.

Less likely to help

Patients with conditions that cannot be modeled in zebrafish or those not related to genetic factors may not receive benefits from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how zebrafish can be used to model human diseases by employing advanced technologies like CRISPR and high-throughput gene disruption. By utilizing a method called Multiplexed, Intermixed CRISPR Droplets (MIC-Drop), researchers aim to create and analyze disease models more efficiently than ever before. The study focuses on generating detailed phenotypic data through automated physiological and behavioral assays, which will help in understanding the genetic basis of diseases. This approach allows for a systematic characterization of how genetic changes affect health and disease.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more targeted and effective treatments for various human diseases.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success using similar approaches in animal models, particularly with CRISPR technology in understanding genetic diseases.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Utah
    Salt Lake City, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Peterson, Randall T — University of Utah
  • Study coordinator: Peterson, Randall T

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Evaluating a new injectable contraceptive for women

    This study is testing a new long-lasting birth control shot called levonorgestrel butanoate, especially for women who are overweight and at risk for blood clots, to see if it works well and is safe without the added hormones found in other methods.

    NIH research University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11337219

  • Understanding how cells respond to changes in membrane tension

    This study looks at how yeast cells react when their outer layer gets stretched or squeezed due to changes in their environment, helping us understand how they stay healthy and function properly.

    NIH research University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11311762

  • A program to lead and conduct clinical trials for gastrointestinal cancers.

    This study is all about finding better treatments for gastrointestinal cancers, and it invites patients to join exciting clinical trials at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, where expert doctors are working together to discover new therapies that could help improve their health.

    NIH research University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11251531

  • New treatment for high phosphate levels in kidney disease patients

    This study is testing a new way to help people with chronic kidney disease and those on dialysis lower their high phosphate levels in the blood by using special materials that can quickly and safely remove excess phosphate, offering a better option than current treatments.

    NIH research University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11251527

  • Testing new treatments to help manage epilepsy

    This study is looking at new treatments and devices to help people with epilepsy, especially those who have trouble with their current medications, to see if they can better control their seizures and improve their daily lives.

    NIH research University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11250879

  • Exploring how flexible emotion regulation affects stress and emotional disorders in ethnic minority college students

    This study looks at how college students from different ethnic backgrounds handle their feelings when faced with everyday stress, like discrimination and money worries, to see how this affects their anxiety and depression, and it aims to provide helpful insights for them.

    NIH research University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11249106

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.