Using light to control gene expression and cell behavior in mammals
Official title: Multiplexed Optogenetic Control of Mammalian Genome and Transcriptome using Recombinases and Cas13
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-10884216 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how we can use different colors of light to control how genes work in muscle cells, which could help us understand how to guide these cells to become either muscle or bone, making it easier to develop new treatments for conditions related to these tissues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $40,431 |
| NIH project number | 5F31GM149163-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884216 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that could benefit from targeted gene therapy or cellular reprogramming.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to gene expression or cellular behavior may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how light can be used to control gene expression and cellular behavior in mammalian cells. By developing advanced optogenetic tools that respond to different wavelengths of light, the project aims to create a system that can precisely regulate multiple genes simultaneously. The approach involves using genetically encoded proteins that can be activated by light to either permanently alter gene expression or modulate it reversibly. This innovative method will be tested in muscle cells that can differentiate into bone or muscle cells, allowing researchers to explore how light influences cell fate decisions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that harness light to control gene expression in various diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using optogenetic tools for gene regulation, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tous, Cristina — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Tous, Cristina
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How Arousal Changes How We See the World
This grant studies how moments of alertness or mood changes alter how the brain processes what we see.
-
NGF Metabolism as a biomarker for cognitive decline in familial Alzheimer's disease
Researchers are studying whether patterns in nerve growth factor pathways in blood and CSF can signal early, preclinical stages of Alzheimer's in people with genetic risk.
-
NGF metabolism as an early biomarker for cognitive decline in familial Alzheimer's disease
This project tests whether NGF pathway proteins in blood and CSF can signal early, preclinical changes in people with familial Alzheimer’s disease.
-
Ultra-High Density wearable brain monitoring in real life
Aims to make advanced wearable brain sensors that work in daily life to track brain activity alongside movement, perception, and communication.
-
A new method to image brain activity noninvasively using speckle contrast spectroscopy
A new, noninvasive imaging technique called speckle contrast optical spectroscopy (SCOS) could help measure brain blood flow in people, including those with brain injuries or neurodegenerative conditions.
-
NGF Metabolic Dysfunction as a Marker of Cognitive Decline in Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's Disease
This project looks at nerve growth factor pathways in people with a genetic form of Alzheimer's to see if blood and spinal fluid markers can identify early brain changes before symptoms appear.
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.