Spatial analyses of marmoset germline development

NIH RePORTER · NIH · U01 · $26,685 · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT There is an urgent need for nonhuman primate models of neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental, and neuropsychiatric disorders to help with development of therapies designed to advance brain health. Among NHPs, the common marmoset [Callithrix jacchus (cj)] affords a highly tractable option because of its small size, short lifespan, production of multiple offspring/year and accurate recapitulation of human neuroanatomy. However, the ultimate utility of the marmoset model remains in its infancy due to the paucity of efficient tools to facilitate studies requiring genetic modification, especially those needed to recapitulate complex aspects of brain health. To address this urgent need, the parent project proposed an innovative, more efficient approach to achieve gene editing and transgenesis in marmosets based on the novel use of highly manipulable induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that can be differentiated to form male germ cells that can ultimately be used to produce transgenic offspring carrying precisely edited alleles of genes relevant to brain health and disease. In Aim 2 of the parent grant, we are optimizing derivation and transplantation of male cjiPSC-derived germ cells into recipient testes and grafts to foster development of transgenic sperm. Here, we are proposing supplemental support for a promising undergraduate candidate to be involved with experiments in this Aim 2 to expose her to this cutting-edge research in marmosets using spatial transcriptomics, stimulate her continued interest in pursuit of a research career and provide her with new skills that will benefit her prospects as a career researcher.

Key facts

NIH application ID
11123762
Project number
3U01DA054170-04S2
Recipient
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SAN ANTONIO
Principal Investigator
Brian Peter Hermann
Activity code
U01
Funding institute
NIH
Fiscal year
2024
Award amount
$26,685
Award type
3
Project period
2021-08-01 → 2025-05-31