# Supporting Cancer Research as a Core-based Scientist by Providing Comprehensive Genetically Engineered Rodent Model Services

> **NIH NIH R50** · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · 2024 · $143,443

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
To conquer cancer, researchers with diverse backgrounds and expertise must work together to discover
molecular targets and develop therapeutics. Many investigators are unable to accomplish their research goals
without access to specialized expertise, sophisticated technologies, and/or expensive instrumentation that are
impossible to master or operate in their own labs. The members of the P30CA125123 grant-supported Dan L
Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center (DLDCCC) at BCM are funded with more than $180M cancer research
grants with over $41M NCI grants (direct costs). Dr. Reddy, a highly accomplished cancer physician scientist, is
the Program Director of the P30 grant, the director of the DLDCCC, and the Unit Director of this R50 application.
As a Genetically Engineered Rodent Models (GERM) core-based non-tenure track research specialist (RS) and
the Technical Director of the GERM core, I devote >70% of my effort to play an irreplaceable role in providing
comprehensive mouse cancer model services to these NCI-funded cancer research programs with my specialty
and our GERM core’s state-of-the-art equipment. These services include: generation of various genetically
engineered mouse (GEM) models by the CRISPR/Cas9 system using zygotes, the gene-targeting system using
embryonic stem (ES) cells, or the microinjection of transgenes into zygotes; in vitro fertilization and embryo
transfer to rederive and/or quickly expand GEM models; cryopreservation of sperm and embryos for long-term
storage of GEM lines; and genotype analysis of GEM lines. In the past 5 years, I and my team members have
generated 1653 knockout, knock-in and transgenic GEM models, many of which are essential for the success of
many NCI-funded cancer research programs. I am a highly experienced cancer researcher who has published
over 80 manuscripts. I have mastered methodologies and hold specialized expertise necessary for mouse and
rat embryo manipulation and genome engineering. I am a core leader who has contributed significantly to NCI-
funded cancer research programs led by other investigators. Funding of this R50 application will provide me with
a higher degree of autonomy to develop new technologies and services. In collaboration with investigators, I will
develop new embryo manipulation and genome editing systems for rat and Nile rat, as well as new genome-
editing methods/strategies for mouse, such as prime editing to minimize off-targeting events, and approaches to
increase conditional allele production efficiency and conditionally express disease-associated variants. I will
implement these new systems and technologies into our core services to better serve cancer researchers with
novel rodent cancer models. With the R50 support, I will update my knowledge and ensure the usage of the best
genome-editing system and methodology to generate rodent models by attending meetings and interacting with
other leaders in the field. My goal is to make our GERM core f...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10976352
- **Project number:** 1R50CA283804-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- **Principal Investigator:** Lan Liao
- **Activity code:** R50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $143,443
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-06 → 2029-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10976352

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10976352, Supporting Cancer Research as a Core-based Scientist by Providing Comprehensive Genetically Engineered Rodent Model Services (1R50CA283804-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10976352. Licensed CC0.

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