# Core D-Get IN

> **NIH NIH P30** · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $143,095

## Abstract

Genetic modification, such as gene knockdown, overexpression, or precise genome editing, is the most effective
way to elucidate gene function, which has the potential to unveil the mechanisms of skin diseases and advance
therapeutic intervention. The delivery of genetic material into primary skin cells is notoriously difficult and delivery
through the epidermal barrier is a great challenge. The Gene Editing, Transduction, and Nanotechnology (GET
iN) Core will apply the most advanced and innovative approaches for genetic manipulation. These include
CRISPR/Cas9 technologies and both viral and non-viral methods for the delivery of DNA, RNA, and other
biomolecules into skin cells in 2D and 3D cultures, skin explants, and intact skin. Specifically, the Core will
generate highly consistent viral stocks in a broad range of systems (lenti/retro/adeno/AAV) for gene manipulation
using siRNA, cDNA, and Cas9/sgRNA. The Core will also facilitate the use of spherically oriented nanocarriers
(e.g., spherical nucleic acids and high-density lipoprotein nanoparticles) for intracellular and transcutaneous
DNA, RNA, protein and drug delivery to skin cells and skin. The Core will provide SBDRC members with
equipment and necessary reagents for nucleoporation. Services related to CRISPR include CRISPR/Cas9-
mediated gene knockout, reversible gene expression manipulation via epigenomic approaches (CRISPRa and
CRISPRi), and genome-wide CRISPR screen capabilities, widely used for functional gene discovery. As another
new service we will also provide reagents and offer expert advice on novel approaches for genome editing, such
as single base editing. The GET iN Core will maintain human and mouse lentiviral shRNA libraries, establish a
panel of frequently used reagents (viral vectors, DNA/RNA inserts, CRISPR gRNAs, and genetically modified
skin cells) for skin research, and offer reagents for CRISPR technology. The Core will sponsor educational and
consultation programs, given by both internal and external speakers, on the topics of: effective delivery of genetic
material, gene manipulation using nanotechnology, CRISPR technology, genome editing, genetic screens, and
gene therapy. Having a wide range of customized viral vectors and unique reagents, novel CRISPR/Cas9
services, and innovative nanotechnology approaches, this Core will provide the most advanced tactics for
genetic manipulation in 2D and 3D skin cultures, as well as skin in vivo. Our services, and collaboration with
other SBDRC and Northwestern Cores, will further enhance skin biology and diseases research at NU and
nationally, ultimately facilitating the bench to bedside translation of research.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10843525
- **Project number:** 2P30AR075049-06
- **Recipient organization:** NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Irina Budunova
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $143,095
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2019-08-20 → 2029-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10843525

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10843525, Core D-Get IN (2P30AR075049-06). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-01 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10843525. Licensed CC0.

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