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NIH Awards R21 Grant for Recombinase Engineering Project Developed by OSBP Graduate Student Matthew Benedek

September 16, 2025

NIH Awards R21 Grant for Recombinase Engineering Project Developed by OSBP Graduate Student Matthew Benedek

Matthew Benedek

The NIH has awarded a two-year Exploratory/Developmental Grant (R21), titled "Development of Tools for Directed Evolution of High-Specificity, High-Efficiency Recombinases," for a project proposed by OSBP graduate student Matthew Benedek (Foster Lab). The grant begins on September 1, 2025.

Matthew’s proposal was inspired by his research on site-specific recognition by the DNA recombinase enzyme Cre, as well as concepts he encountered in Tom Magliery’s Protein Engineering course (Biochem 7700). Building on an independent aim from his candidacy proposal, he outlined an approach using advanced molecular evolution techniques to engineer recombinases with enhanced sequence specificity.

After defending his candidacy exam, Matthew continued to refine the idea with support from Drs. Foster and Magliery. The resulting R21 application reflects a collaborative effort and marks a new research direction for the Foster–Magliery team.