Using CRISPR to quickly detect Mycobacterium avium complex DNA for diagnosing lung disease
Official title: CRISPR detection of circulating cell-free Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) DNA for rapid diagnosis and monitoring of MAC pulmonary disease
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11058534 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a quick and easy way to use CRISPR technology to find Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) DNA in the blood, which could help diagnose and monitor MAC lung disease without needing uncomfortable procedures, making it better for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | March 19, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $742,807 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI177986-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058534 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include elderly individuals, women, and those with underlying lung conditions who are at risk for MAC pulmonary disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have or are not at risk for MAC pulmonary disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a rapid diagnostic method using CRISPR technology to detect Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) DNA in the bloodstream. By identifying this DNA, the research aims to improve the diagnosis and monitoring of MAC pulmonary disease, which can be challenging due to the difficulty in obtaining respiratory samples. The approach seeks to provide a non-invasive alternative for patients, reducing the need for more invasive procedures like sputum induction or bronchoscopy. The study also aims to correlate patient-reported outcomes with biological markers to enhance treatment effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more accurate diagnoses of MAC pulmonary disease, improving patient management and outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using CRISPR technology for rapid diagnostics, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Winthrop, Kevin Loring — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Winthrop, Kevin Loring
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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.