2437133
Project Grant
Overview
Grant Description
BRC-BIO: Exploring the phenotypic consequences of copy number variation of the ribosomal RNA genes.
A variety of genetic differences exist among individuals, but some forms of genetic variation have been more difficult to study than others.
This project investigates one such form of variation: differences in how many copies an individual has of certain genes.
The genes encoding ribosomal RNAs are present in hundreds of copies per genome, and two humans may have differences of hundreds of copies between them.
Variation in these genes has recently been linked to cancer, aging, and cell function.
This project will explore the minimal copy number requirements of these genes for development to healthy adulthood and advance our understanding of the interaction between copy number differences and health-relevant characteristics.
Ultimate outcomes of this work may add new nuance to our understanding of the relationship between genotype and phenotype.
The project will create new opportunities for undergraduate student training in genetics and molecular biology at SUNY Brockport.
Research goals will also be incorporated into an undergraduate research course format to broaden accessibility of original research experiences for students.
The phenotypic consequences of genetic interaction with ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) copy number will be assessed using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, an animal that exhibits substantial variation in rDNA copy number between wild isolates.
The lower bounds of copy number sufficiency for development and fertility will be explored through CRISPR-Cas9-based genetic engineering of the rDNA copy locus, and the impact of this variation on tumor formation and lifespan will be characterized.
This project will furthermore explore rDNA copy number variation in the context of dysregulated cell function, using conditions of altered ribosome regulation or compromised small RNA gene regulation.
A discovery-based undergraduate research course will provide students with training in single guide RNA cloning and application of a CRISPR-activation approach to overexpress target genes in rDNA copy number variant backgrounds.
Students will train in hypothesis-based investigation, molecular techniques, and organismal phenotyping to assess the consequences of rDNA copy number variation in altered cellular environments.
Lastly, this project will explore the small RNA landscape in the presence of rDNA copy number variation, providing further student exposure to genomic techniques and analysis.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Subawards are not planned for this award.
A variety of genetic differences exist among individuals, but some forms of genetic variation have been more difficult to study than others.
This project investigates one such form of variation: differences in how many copies an individual has of certain genes.
The genes encoding ribosomal RNAs are present in hundreds of copies per genome, and two humans may have differences of hundreds of copies between them.
Variation in these genes has recently been linked to cancer, aging, and cell function.
This project will explore the minimal copy number requirements of these genes for development to healthy adulthood and advance our understanding of the interaction between copy number differences and health-relevant characteristics.
Ultimate outcomes of this work may add new nuance to our understanding of the relationship between genotype and phenotype.
The project will create new opportunities for undergraduate student training in genetics and molecular biology at SUNY Brockport.
Research goals will also be incorporated into an undergraduate research course format to broaden accessibility of original research experiences for students.
The phenotypic consequences of genetic interaction with ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) copy number will be assessed using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, an animal that exhibits substantial variation in rDNA copy number between wild isolates.
The lower bounds of copy number sufficiency for development and fertility will be explored through CRISPR-Cas9-based genetic engineering of the rDNA copy locus, and the impact of this variation on tumor formation and lifespan will be characterized.
This project will furthermore explore rDNA copy number variation in the context of dysregulated cell function, using conditions of altered ribosome regulation or compromised small RNA gene regulation.
A discovery-based undergraduate research course will provide students with training in single guide RNA cloning and application of a CRISPR-activation approach to overexpress target genes in rDNA copy number variant backgrounds.
Students will train in hypothesis-based investigation, molecular techniques, and organismal phenotyping to assess the consequences of rDNA copy number variation in altered cellular environments.
Lastly, this project will explore the small RNA landscape in the presence of rDNA copy number variation, providing further student exposure to genomic techniques and analysis.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Subawards are not planned for this award.
Funding Goals
THE GOAL OF THIS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY, "BUILDING RESEARCH CAPACITY OF NEW FACULTY IN BIOLOGY", IS IDENTIFIED IN THE LINK: HTTPS://WWW.NSF.GOV/PUBLICATIONS/PUB_SUMM.JSP?ODS_KEY=NSF22500
Grant Program (CFDA)
Awarding Agency
Funding Agency
Place of Performance
Brockport,
New York
14420-2932
United States
Geographic Scope
Single Zip Code
Related Opportunity
The Research Foundation For The State University Of New York was awarded
Project Grant 2437133
worth $468,344
from the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences in March 2025 with work to be completed primarily in Brockport New York United States.
The grant
has a duration of 3 years and
was awarded through assistance program 47.074 Biological Sciences.
The Project Grant was awarded through grant opportunity Building Research Capacity of New Faculty in Biology.
Status
(Ongoing)
Last Modified 3/5/25
Period of Performance
3/15/25
Start Date
2/29/28
End Date
Funding Split
$468.3K
Federal Obligation
$0.0
Non-Federal Obligation
$468.3K
Total Obligated
Activity Timeline
Additional Detail
Award ID FAIN
2437133
SAI Number
None
Award ID URI
SAI EXEMPT
Awardee Classifications
Public/State Controlled Institution Of Higher Education
Awarding Office
490808 DIV OF BIOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Funding Office
490807 DIVISION OF MOLECULAR AND
Awardee UEI
TCMMHB95V224
Awardee CAGE
3G4Y5
Performance District
NY-25
Senators
Kirsten Gillibrand
Charles Schumer
Charles Schumer
Modified: 3/5/25