Monday, June 30, 2025 6/30/2025

Investigating the molecular mechanisms of microcephaly

Award Number: K22HL137902
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, & BLOOD INSTITUTE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 03/15/2020
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 02/29/2024

Group Awards By:

View Award Description

Investigating the molecular mechanisms of microcephaly - Project Summary This proposal seeks to address the molecular mechanisms of autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH), a disorder characterized by small brain size and reduced life expectancy. Specifically, it focuses on the two most commonly mutated genes in MCPH patients, Abnormal Spindle (Asp) and WD Repeat-Containing Protein 62 (WDR62). A comprehensive, mentored training regimen in both research and career development has been established in order to ensure success as an independent investigator. First, this proposal uses an innovative approach in Drosophila melanogaster in order to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the disorder, focusing on high resolution analysis of brains at the cell and tissue level using novel genetic & imaging methods. This phase will require training in fly neurobiology, and a co-mentor who is a leading expert in the field has been established to serve in this role. Secondly, a novel nuclear function for Asp & WDR62 will be investigated as the underlying mechanism of MCPH, combining previous graduate training in fly chromatin biology and gene expression with new training in next-generation sequencing technologies. Both the fly neurobiology and investigation into the nuclear function of these proteins will build towards the long term goals of the proposed research, which is to define an `MCPH gene network' that collectively contributes to proper brain size. This will begin during the mentored phase of the award by generating tools & reagents that will be critical for success during the independent phase. A genetic modifier screen in the Asp and WDR62 mutant background will also be carried out to identify candidate genes in the MCPH gene network, establishing a solid foundation for future work during independence. Additionally, career development will continue throughout the mentored phase. The NIH provides workshops on mentorship, leadership, grant writing, research ethics and networking activities which will be completed in parallel with the stated research goals. An advisory committee has also been established to review research progress, provide constructive feedback on experiments and guidance on career objectives. Collectively, this training plan in both research and career development will provide the most comprehensive analysis of MCPH to date and unlock the molecular underpinnings of the disorder while ensuring success in all phases as an independent investigator.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = -$2,441 )
2025	2022	UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING	1000 E UNIVERSITY AVE	LARAMIE	WY	82071	ALBANY	USA	Cardiovascular Diseases Research	000	3	11/6/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	-$2,441
														Subtotal = -$2,441

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $0 )
2024	2022	UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING	1000 E UNIVERSITY AVE	LARAMIE	WY	82071	ALBANY	USA	Cardiovascular Diseases Research	000	3	7/9/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
														Subtotal = $0

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $249,000 )
2022	2022	UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING	1000 E UNIVERSITY AVE DEPARTMENT 3434	LARAMIE	WY	82071	ALBANY	USA	Cardiovascular Diseases Research	000	3	2/22/2022	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$249,000
														Subtotal = $249,000

Issue Date FY: 2021 ( Subtotal = $249,000 )
2021	2021	UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING	1000 E UNIVERSITY AVE DEPARTMENT 3434	LARAMIE	WY	82071	ALBANY	USA	Cardiovascular Diseases Research	000	2	3/1/2021	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$249,000
														Subtotal = $249,000

Issue Date FY: 2020 ( Subtotal = $249,000 )
2020	2020	UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING	1000 E UNIVERSITY AVE DEPARTMENT 3434	LARAMIE	WY	82071	ALBANY	USA	Cardiovascular Diseases Research	000	1	3/10/2020	NEW	$249,000
														Subtotal = $249,000

Grand Total All Awards = $744,559

Top

All Categories

About

Search

Reports

Data Submission

Award Information

Investigating the molecular mechanisms of microcephaly

Award Number: K22HL137902

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, & BLOOD INSTITUTE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 03/15/2020

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 02/29/2024

Federal Websites

Department of Health & Human Services

HHS Operating Divisions

HHS Staff Divisions

Download A Document Viewer