# Confocal illumination system to apply optogenetic tools for hematopoietic stem cell biology with single cell resolution

> **NIH NIH R01** · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · 2024 · $249,972

## Abstract

Project Summary:
Molecular genetic tools using DNA recombinases, such as Cre and Flp, and nucleases, Cas9, have been applied
to address various biological questions. The genetic technologies allow us to manipulate gene expression and
engineer genome to uncover the molecular mechanism underlying a variety of biological activities such as
cellular proliferation and differentiation. However, precise spatiotemporal control is still limited though using the
existing tools. In this project, we will develop a new set of optogenetic tools with single cell resolution to address
this issue, using a new confocal module. Taking advantage of the confocal module-mediated illumination to live
cells, we will validate and optimize our optogenetic tool uses in mammalian primary cells such as hematopoietic
stem cells. Also, our proposed novel genetic technologies will be widely applicable to various research fields
beyond hematopoiesis to address a variety of biological questions.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11099228
- **Project number:** 3R01GM146061-04S1
- **Recipient organization:** ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
- **Principal Investigator:** Lei Ding
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $249,972
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2022-09-27 → 2026-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11099228

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11099228, Confocal illumination system to apply optogenetic tools for hematopoietic stem cell biology with single cell resolution (3R01GM146061-04S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11099228. Licensed CC0.

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