Dr. Camerron Crowder's research at PMI focuses on developing patient-guided zebrafish models to study rare neurodevelopmental diseases.

Working from patient genetic testing reports, Crowder and her team use CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology to establish knock-out or knock-in zebrafish models based on the molecular mechanism of the disorder. The goal is to create patient-centered zebrafish models for medium-throughput drug screening of AI or clinician-recommended therapeutics, generating evidence for clinical trials.

In her courses, students learn to use CRISPR/Cas9 technology to create genetically edited zebrafish models of patients' disorders. They also use bioinformatic tools to design, develop, and test CRISPR guides, collecting genotypic and phenotypic data. This hands-on research experience allows students to contribute to meaningful research that impacts patients' lives, providing hope to patients and their families while motivating students to excel in their studies.

At PMI we work closely with clinicians to learn about patient symptoms and therapy goals. We use this information to run queries in our AI tool, mediKanren, and come up with a list of drugs that may target the disorder at the molecular level or alleviate symptoms to improve patient quality of life. Then we screen these drugs in patient-specific zebrafish models to generate evidence that could be used for clinical trials in patients.

Partners

SLC6A1 Connect
SLC6A1 Connect is a patient organization dedicated to rapidly advancing research and finding cures for rare diseases, with the ultimate goal of making their organization unnecessary within five years. Dr. Crowder receives funding from SLC6A1 Connect for her zebrafish work.

Wolverine Foundation
The Wolverine Foundation supports various charitable, scientific, and educational initiatives. Recently, it has focused on developing treatments for the newly discovered MAPK8IP3 genetic mutation by advancing research and discovering novel therapeutic approaches. PMI is actively involved as part of the Wolverine Foundation research team.

Bubble Connections (ZC4H2)
Bubble Connection is an organization dedicated to raising awareness and improving the quality of life for people living with a ZC4H2 gene mutation, while also funding research to find a cure. Dr. Crowder receives funding from the Bubble Connection for her zebrafish work.