U01DA056556

Tools for Gene Editing in Marmosets - Summary

The goal of this proposal is to create an efficient new set of tools and techniques for the generation of genetically modified marmosets suitable for use as models of brain physiology and function. Development of efficient methods of genetic manipulation in the species will require refinement of genome editing technologies, breeding technologies, ovarian stimulation and oocyte retrieval, embryo culture, and pre-implantation screening of embryos for the desired genetic alterations.

A large colony of marmosets will be necessary, along with an infrastructure to refine technologies and an interdisciplinary team with expertise in marmoset care, assisted reproduction technologies, tissue-specific expression with Cre-drivers and CRISPR technologies, and behavior testing and neuropsychiatric analysis.

The specific aims of this proposal are to:

(1) Improve technology for in vitro genetic manipulation of marmosets and explore novel methods for marmoset gene editing;
(2) Identify safe harbor loci and establish Cas9, Cre, and GCamp marmoset lines using promoters for ubiquitous expression, selective expression in the brain, or regional or cell-type specific expression; and
(3) Generate marmoset models with genetic alterations relevant to the neurobiology of human brain diseases.

These studies will provide tools for future gene editing experiments in marmosets, will establish an initial set of genetically modified tool lines for use in the field, and will provide initial proof-of-principle lines for marmoset models of genetic alterations potentially relevant to the neurobiology of human brain diseases.

The Johns Hopkins University

TO SUPPORT BASIC AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE, BIOMEDICAL, BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCE, EPIDEMIOLOGIC, HEALTH SERVICES AND HEALTH DISPARITY RESEARCH. TO DEVELOP NEW KNOWLEDGE AND APPROACHES RELATED TO THE PREVENTION, DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, ETIOLOGY, AND CONSEQUENCES OF DRUG ABUSE AND ADDICTION, INCLUDING HIV/AIDS. TO SUPPORT RESEARCH TRAINING AND RESEARCH SCIENTIST DEVELOPMENT. TO SUPPORT DISSEMINATION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS. SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH (SBIR) LEGISLATION IS INTENDED TO EXPAND AND IMPROVE THE SBIR PROGRAMS TO EMPHASIZE AND INCREASE PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIALIZATION OF TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPED THROUGH FEDERAL SBIR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, INCREASE SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION IN FEDERAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, AND FOSTER AND ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION OF SOCIALLY AND ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS AND WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS IN THE SBIR PROGRAM. THE LEGISLATION INTENDS THAT THE SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER (STTR) PROGRAM STIMULATE AND FOSTER SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION THROUGH COOPERATIVE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CARRIED OUT BETWEEN SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS AND RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS, FOSTER TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER BETWEEN SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS AND RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS, TO INCREASE PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIALIZATION OF INNOVATIONS DERIVED FROM FEDERAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, AND FOSTER AND ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION OF SOCIALLY AND ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS AND WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS IN TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION.

93.279 - Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) [HHS - NIH]

Maryland United States

State-Wide

BRAIN Initiative: Tools for Germline Gene Editing in Marmosets (U01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) (RFA-DA-21-006)

Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased 382% from $1,798,234 to $8,672,011.