STXBP1 Foundation Awards Innovation Grant to Kyle Fink for CRISPR activation Gene Therapy

The lab has a focus on rare, genetic, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.

The STXBP1 Foundation announces it has awarded a $100,000 Innovation Grant to Kyle Fink, PhD of University of California, Davis. Dr. Fink is Associate Director, Gene Therapy Center and Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology. His lab focuses on developing therapeutic modalities for rare neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders and has existing projects in Angelman’s Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, CDKL5 Deficiency Disorders and other diseases.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the STXBP1 Foundation to develop next generation gene therapies to regulate STXBP1 expression. The work proposed in our funded award should establish the feasibility of rescuing STXBP1 levels in patient iPSC-derived neuronal models with translationally relevant CRISPR activation constructs” says Dr Fink. “We hope the results will enable rapid development and translational efforts to treat this critical neurodevelopmental disorder.”

The title of Dr. Fink’s grant is CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) gene therapy to restore STXBP1 expression in human neurons. As part of the grant work, Dr. Fink will aim to develop a CRISPRa therapy that increases STXBP1 protein expression to normal levels. His lab will also study the effect of this experimental CRISPRa therapy in patient IPSC derived neurons and organoids.

“Dr. Kyle Fink from UC Davis has been a pioneer in developing CRISPR-based gene therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders for several years. We are thrilled that he is now focusing his expertise on STXBP1, and with the support of our Innovation Grant, his lab can accelerate this important work. We look forward to collaborating with Dr. Fink and his team as the project unfolds.” says James R Goss, PhD, Scientific Director, STXBP1 Foundation.

Learn more about Dr Fink’s work here.