Unlocking the full power of long-read DNA sequencing
Official title: Realizing the potential of long-read sequencing technology
Funded at University of California Santa Cruz · NIH-11528995 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A science team is improving long-read sequencing tools so researchers can get complete gene and transcript information from human and mouse tissues with easier, high-accuracy methods.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Cruz NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Cruz, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2019 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $159,000 |
| NIH project number | 3R35GM133569-08S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11528995 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include patients or populations whose tissues or diseases are studied via transcriptomics and genome sequencing, particularly where isoform-level information informs diagnosis or treatment strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Some groups may not directly benefit if their conditions are not tied to long-read sequencing applications or if access to the new tools remains limited.
What this research studies
This grant supports developing and applying long-read sequencing methods that overcome limitations of short-read approaches. It includes creating complete isoform-level transcriptomes for human and mouse tissues to help researchers understand which isoforms are present and at what levels. It also aims to deliver an easy-to-use, ultra-accurate sequencing method that works across different read lengths so more labs—especially those with smaller budgets—can perform high-quality DNA sequencing. By expanding accessible tools and reference datasets, the project seeks to accelerate biomedical discoveries that rely on accurate transcript and genome information.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from faster, more reliable genomic analyses that improve diagnosis, research into disease mechanisms, and development of tailored therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous long-read sequencing efforts have demonstrated improved isoform resolution, with ongoing work expanding accessibility and accuracy.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vollmers, Christopher — University of California Santa Cruz
- Study coordinator: Vollmers, Christopher
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.