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Next-Generation ATP-Independent Luciferases, Luciferins, and Bioluminescent Calcium Indicators

Award Number: R01EB035430
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE Of BIOMEDICAL IMAGING & BIOENGINEERING
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 02/05/2024
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 01/31/2028

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Next-Generation ATP-Independent Luciferases, Luciferins, and Bioluminescent Calcium Indicators - Abstract: In 2012, Promega introduced NanoLuc, an ATP-independent marine luciferase mutant exhibiting a high photon production rate in the presence of a synthetic luciferin analog, furimazine. However, NanoLuc has several unfavorable features, including low tissue penetration of its blue emission, and limited substrate solubility and stability. Recent studies (including our efforts) have partially addressed these issues, but there are remaining key hurdles that prevent a broader adoption of NanoLuc-derived bioluminescence systems for in vivo animal imaging. The overall objective of this 4-year R01 project is to develop next-generation ATP-independent luciferases, luciferins, and bioluminescent calcium indicators to greatly facilitate imaging experiments in small animals. Leveraging our strong preliminary results and sustained research interests and expertise in the relevant areas, we will pursue the following three Specific Aims: 1. Develop shelf-stable and water-soluble luciferins. 2. Develop further red-shifted luciferase-luciferin pairs. 3. Engineer next-generation bioluminescent calcium indicators with enhanced physiological responsiveness. The outcomes of this project will be bioluminescent tools to facilitate imaging studies in animal models. These fundamental research tools will further catalyze an extensive array of biological and biomedical studies.


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: 2026 ( Subtotal = $369,036 )
2026	2026	RECTOR & VISITORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA	1001 EMMET ST N	CHARLOTTESVILLE	VA	22903	CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY	USA	Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health	000	3	1/13/2026	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$369,036
														Subtotal = $369,036

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $461,296 )
2025	2025	RECTOR & VISITORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA	1001 EMMET ST N	CHARLOTTESVILLE	VA	22903	CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY	USA	Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health	001	2	5/19/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$46,130
2025	2025	RECTOR & VISITORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA	1001 EMMET ST N	CHARLOTTESVILLE	VA	22903	CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY	USA	Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health	000	2	1/8/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$415,166
														Subtotal = $461,296

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $461,296 )
2024	2024	RECTOR & VISITORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA	1001 EMMET ST N	CHARLOTTESVILLE	VA	22903	CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY	USA	Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health	000	1	2/2/2024	NEW	$424,877
2024	2024	RECTOR & VISITORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA	1001 EMMET ST N	CHARLOTTESVILLE	VA	22903	CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY	USA	Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health	001	1	4/22/2024	NEW	$36,419
														Subtotal = $461,296

Grand Total All Awards = $1,291,628

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Next-Generation ATP-Independent Luciferases, Luciferins, and Bioluminescent Calcium Indicators

Award Number: R01EB035430

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE Of BIOMEDICAL IMAGING & BIOENGINEERING

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 02/05/2024

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 01/31/2028

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