Adan Colon-Carmona - US grants

Plants are sessile organisms that respond to changing environmental conditions, such as light quality. Research on photomorphogenesis has provided insight into light perception and light signal transduction. Yet, little is known about how light can control cell division patterns. This research will focus on identifying which signaling pathways are involved.

IBN-0343856
Adan Colon-Carmona
University of Massachusetts, Boston

Phytoremediation Program

The proposed project explores the underlying molecular mechanisms for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-induced responses in plants, as well as their potential biodegradation pathways. PAHs are organic pollutants that cause human health problems such as cancer. PAHs are contaminants resulting from oil-based manufacturing. Some plant species, including crop plants such as sunflower, soybean, pea and carrot, can grow on moderate levels of crude oil-contaminated soil. Yet, very little is known at the molecular level about the mechanisms of PAH uptake and degradation, or even cell signaling pathways regulating PAH stress responses. A better understanding of PAH stress physiology will lead to the generation of phytoremediation strategies in pollution clean-up and biomonitoring. The aims of this proposal are the following: 1) to characterized the physiological responses to PAHs in Arabidopsis thaliana, 2) to identify the signaling pathways that mediate the various PAH-induced plant responses, 3) to screen genetically mutagenized populations for plants that are defective in PAH-induced growth responses, and 4) to identify, through bacterial screens, plant cDNAs that can be used in PAH degradation. The long term goal of these studies are to utilize the information regarding PAH-induced responses in Arabidopsis to engineer trees or crop plants with extensive root systems for their use in biodegradation and biomonitoring of PAH contamination.

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The understanding of how motor proteins facilitate a wide array of transport-dependent cellular processes, such as chromosome segregations during mitosis and meiosis, and how these transport events are coordinated within the parameters of plant and animal development, are areas of intense interest to both cell and developmental biologists. Microtubule motors transport cellular products along microtubules (MT) in an ATP-dependent manner; the "heads" of the proteins "walk" along MT, whereas the "tails" tether the intracellular cargo. Defects in the motor protein itself, or its interacting cellular proteins results in variety of diseases, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2A and Alzheimer's. Toxins and viral particles are also transported along motor proteins. Moreover, research in a diverse set of motor proteins has led to greater insights into general transport processes of mammalian cells. The long-term goal of the proposed project is to understand the roles of the MT motor protein kinesin in cell division. The plant Arabidopsis thaliana is being used as a model system because the large number of kinesins in its genome allows for greater complexity in potential kinesin functions. After a genome-wide screen for cell division and development mutants, three kinesins were chosen for molecular characterization. Kinesins will be studied by characterizing kinesin mutations, examining kinesin spatio-temporal expression, accumulation profiles, subcellular localization during the cell cycle, and gain-of-function over-expression phenotypes.

This proposal describes a Track 2 GK-12 project developed by the University of Massachusetts and three Boston-area public school districts. The program would support 8 to 12 Fellows each year to work in partnership with master teachers in the Boston, Dedham, and Milton public school districts to bring science to K-12 students. The program, known as Watershed-Integrated Sciences Partnership-2 (WISP-2) remains focused on individual partnerships between science Fellows and middle school teachers who work together to modify and implement high quality inquiry-based science instruction within the context of the local Neponset River Watershed. The watershed provides a common experiential framework for classes and field/laboratory modules covering fundamental concepts in life sciences, physical sciences and earth sciences. Partners also include the Environmental Business Council of New England and the Massachusetts Insight Education and Research Institute.

DESCRIPTION Overweight and obesity disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minority and lower income populations, particularly women. An accumulating body of scientific evidence indicates that obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and unhealthy dietary patterns may significantly increase the risk of several major cancer types. Unfortunately however, the efficacy of weight management programs in diverse sociodemographic groups has been mixed. Accumulating scientific evidence demonstrates that electronic health promotion strategies (e-health) may be effective in assisting individuals to make dietary and PA change. While the literature on e-health technologies has blossomed in recent years, comparatively little empirical attention has been directed to the feasibility of utilizing such technologies to promote healthy weight-control behaviors among sociodemographically-diverse women. E-health tools however, can be adapted to meet the specific literacy, cultural, and logistical needs of these populations. What remains unclear however is the extent to which interpersonal assistance (e.g. coaching) is necessary to realize the maximum amount of ehealth system utilization in the target population. This study is a three-year investigation designed to demonstrate the feasibility of designing and implementing an interactive electronic diet and PA monitoring and feedback system (eSolutions) to be implemented in an urban community recreation center. Study procedures will occur in two phases. In Phase 1, we propose to conduct formative research, design the eSolutions system in an iterative software development process, and conduct usability testing of the system among the target population. In Phase 2, we propose to test the feasibility of implementing the tool among approximately 60 overweight adult women in an urban YMCA branch. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two experimental conditions: 1) self-paced use of the eSolutions system, or;2) a combined program consisting of eSolutions plus a 12-week coached intervention (eSolutions-Plus). We will examine short term outcomes at the end of this 12 week initial phase. Following the initial phase, participants in both conditions will be asked to utilize the eSolutions for an additional 12-week self-paced maintenance phase. During the maintenance phase, half of the participants in both conditions will be randomly assigned to receive monthly telephone calls to remind them to utilize eSolutions and troubleshoot any system difficulties. Assessments (including self-report survey, anthropometric measurements, and the retrieval of eSolutions system data) will be conducted at baseline, 12-, and 24-weeks post-baseline. Primary outcomes will include measures of sustained eSolutions system utilization. Secondary outcomes will include improvement in dietary practices, PA and weight-loss. This study will demonstrate the feasibility of the eSolutions system and will further provide estimates of effect size that will be used to plan a future randomized controlled trial to test this intervention among YMCAs in Massachusetts. This pilot study also provides a basis for demonstrating additional evidence of successful collaboration between the DF/HCC and UMB and will facilitate our ongoing partnership with the network of Massachusetts YMCAs. A. SPECIFIC AIMS This study responds to an urgent need to develop, test, and implement cancer prevention interventions for physical activity (PA) promotion and weight management, particularly among ethnically diverse and low-income populations.', 2 We hypothesize that electronic health promotion (e-health) strategies may be effectively implemented in weight management interventions conducted among underserved populations. However, an outstanding question concerns whether the provision of interpersonal support is necessary for members of low income and ethnically diverse populations to realize the full benefits of e-health weight management systems. This issue may impact not only program efficacy, but also the potential for sustainability. Thus, the primary aim of the proposed study is to determine the feasibility of developing and implementing an interactive electronic diet and PA monitoring and feedback system (eSolutions) to promote improvements in diet, PA, and weight loss among a lower income, ethnically-diverse population attending an urban community recreation center. Our specific aims are: 1. To develop eSolutions, an interactive electronic diet and PA monitoring and feedback system for sociodemographically-diverse, low literacy audiences. 1.1. To evaluate the usability of eSolutions among members of the target population. 2. To determine whether there are differential levels of sustained system utilization between two experimental groups: 1) those using eSolutions in a self-paced fashion, compared to 2) those receiving a combined program consisting of eSolutions plus a 12-week coached weight loss intervention (eSolutions-Plus). 2.1. To determine whether monthly telephone support calls (after week 12 of the protocol) promote longer-term eSolutions system utilization. 3. To estimate the extent to which participants receiving e Solutions-Plus have greater shorter and longer-term improvements in diet, PA, and weight loss compared to those receiving eSolutions alone. 3.1 To estimate whether the greatest longer-term improvements (at 96 weeks) in diet, PA, and weight loss/maintenance are found among eSolutions-Plus participants receiving monthly telephone support calls (after week 12 of the protocol).

Microbes living in the plant rhizosphere, the soil in direct contact with a plant's roots, influence nutrient cycling and availability, the plant's susceptibility to disease, and plant growth. Plant roots, in turn, provide resources that support the microbial community, and produce signals that affect plant-microbial interactions. Currently, little is known about the genes and biochemical pathways in plants that influence the development of specific rhizosphere communities, nor the impact that these communities have on the growth, reproduction and competitive ability of plants. Using Arabidopsis thaliana and an important domesticated species, lettuce, and its wild, weedy progenitor (Lactuca serriola), the investigators will identify key genes in plants that affect the microbial communities in the rhizosphere. Specifically, the project will: 1) characterize the composition, successional patterns and robustness of the microbial communities that establish in the rhizosphere of specific plant genotypes; 2) identify quantitative trait loci and candidate genes in the plants that control the differences in microbial populations associated with roots; 3) examine the impact of these plant-microbe interactions on growth and the competitive abilities of plants. This project will cement a multi-investigator research initiative that will enhance student training and engage faculty in multidisciplinary research and teaching. University of Massachusetts, Boston has a high proportion of low income, under-represented minority and first generation college students, and the investigators are dedicated to their training. Research initiatives developed in this project will be integrated into several active training programs aimed at community college students, secondary school teacher training and enhanced undergraduate research experiences. Project results will advance the understanding of how plant-microbe interactions alter the soil quality and growing conditions of plants, and demonstrate the relevance of rhizosphere ecology to a broad cluster of applied disciplines, from sustainable agriculture to restoration ecology and management of invasive species.

Abstract: Properiy segregating genetic material in mitosis and meiosis is crucial for cell survival and normal development. During cell cycle progression in mitosis, distinct molecular mechanisms ensure condensation, orientation and segregation of replicated chromosomes. The mitotic microtubule spindle array. Its interaction with chromosomes via the kinetochore and the multiple components of the spindle-assembly checkpoint (SAC) guarantees that the structural and chronological orchestration of events happen normally and repetitively in actively dividing cells. The SAC proteins, including the kinesin motor protein centromere associated protein E (CENP-E), are localized at the kinetochore of unattached mitotic chromosomes. While it is clear that depletion of CENP-E in cells leads to chromosome instability and subsequently tumor formation, how CENP-E's role in the congression of mono-oriented chromosomes to the metaphase plate is integrated into overall SAC function remains pooriy understood. Moreover very little is known about the SAC in plants. The proposed pilot project will test three key hypotheses in plant cell cycle control. The first evaluates whether plant (Arabidopis thaliana) CENP-E is Involved in growth control via the SAC, more specifically in regulating the timing of chromosome metaphase plate alignment. Second, the loss of CENP-E function will lead to aberrant chromosome alignment, and support one ofthe following models: 1) CENP-E will attach chromosomes to bipolar spindle microtubule fibers and align chromosomes at the metaphase plate;2) CENP-E will move chromosomes attached to monooriented spindle microtubule fibers towards the metaphase plate, 3) plant CENP-Es can do both 1 and 2, and this will be revealed with the analysis of both AtCENP-E1 and AtCENPE2 from Arabidopsis, or 4) CENP-E in plants does neither 1 nor 2, but rather has a distinct function. Thirdly, cytokinesis is not affected in loss-of function mutants, indicating that CENP-E functions primarily in prometaphase and metaphase of the cell cycle. Testing the above hypotheses will not only advance the plant cell cycle field but also contribute to the general understanding of motor protein function, check point control, ploidy and cancer development. The collaboration between Adan Colon-Carmona, PhD, and David Pellman, MD, provides a unique opportunity for Dr. Colon-Carmona's career development, and the training of students will be central to the project.

Summary: The Administrative Core of the University of Massachusetts, Boston (UMass Boston) and Dana- Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC) Partnership takes an integrated approach to operational structure to support the growth of broad-based, transdisciplinary cancer and cancer disparities research at both institutions. Partnership PIs Drs. K ?Vish? Viswanath from DF/HCC, and Drs. Adán Colón-Carmona and Jill Macoska from UMass Boston, lead the Administrative Core and provide complementary expertise and abiding dedication to the sustained success of this research program. As the nucleus of the leadership and administrative teams, the PIs, with the support of effective internal (Internal Advisory Committee (IAC)), external (Program Steering Committee (PSC)) and institutional leaders, provide rigorous oversight for the research projects, programs and Cores, and maximize the impact of the Partnership at the institutional level. In addition, a single Partnership Program Manager shared by both institutions creates operational synergies in the management of this multi- institutional research collaboration. The aims of the Administrative Core are to: 1) Work closely with the IAC and PSC to establish Partnership objectives, track Partnership progress against both internal and external reviews on an ongoing basis, and inform decision making; 2) Provide administrative, programmatic and fiscal oversight for funded research projects and Cores at UMass Boston and DF/HCC, and ensure responsible stewardship of administrative and developmental funds; 3) Oversee the administrative process for soliciting new developmental research projects; 4) Oversee the coordination of all Partnership administrative activities at UMass Boston and DF/HCC; 5) Work closely with institutional grants offices and departments to ensure proper infrastructural support, e.g., IRB, procurement, and budget management for funded projects and Cores; 6) Oversee all communication mechanisms across both institutions along with general dissemination of announcements to engage Partnership leadership, investigators and staff, and encourage interest and participation from the larger UMass Boston and DF/HCC faculty and student communities; 7) Oversee the documentation of Partnership activity and reporting process to NCI, i.e., annual Research Performance Progress Reports and financial reports, and submission of any materials requested during the funding period; 8) Track institutional commitment in support of Partnership initiatives, particularly toward recruitment efforts for Early Stage Investigators (ESIs), and leverage institutional resources; and 9) Provide direct administrative oversight and supervision of the staff working on the Administrative Core, including the Partnership Program Manager, Administrative Assistants, and Grants Managers.

The Planning and Evaluation (P&E) Core is responsible for establishing the Partnership's goals and objectives (see 3.A.), devising strategies to accomplish those goals, and for evaluating and monitoring the overall progress and impact ofthe Partnership. This section details the planning and evaluation activities of the Partnership and provides justification for the resources requested to carry out these functions. The U56 funding allowed the Partnership to engage the faculty broadly, to establish organizational structure, and to support and evaluate pilot projects and programs in research, training, and outreach (see S.A). These functions will continue within the U54 P&E Core.

This subnnlsslon is in response to CAI 0-503 Comprehensive Partnerships to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities. This application, submitted by the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center and its partner UMASSBoston, describes plans to transition the successful U56 Partnership to a U54. From its inception, the Partnership has been based on strong institutional support, significant personal commitment of the leadership, and a belief in the institutional benefit that would be derived from a successful partnership. Two key tenets underlie the formation of our Partnership: a) a common and intense interest in addressing the problem of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in cancer; and b) a belief that through the partnership, each partner will achieve benefits that neither could achieve on its own. Through careful planning, a mature, solid, and committed partnership has evolved which has been transformative for both institutions. This application provides extensive evidence of the ways these tenets have been operationalized and the resulting benefits, which have been substantial for both institutional partners. In addition to robust Administrative and Planning & Evaluation Cores, and two shared resources (Training Core and Statistical and Survey Methods Core), the application includes rigorous and innovative science, representing basic, clinical, and population science, as well as an innovative post-doctoral training program in nursing and health disparities. The Partnership has strong and enthusiastic personal and institutional support from the leaders of the respective institutions. The Partnership has well-established communication, leadership, and evaluation in place, and Is guided by an outstanding, external Program Steering Committee. This Partnership is fully prepared to move to the U54 mechanism.

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The goal of the Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD) program at the University of Massachusetts Boston (UMB) is to increase the number of underrepresented (UR) minority undergraduate students who are fully prepared and highly motivated to succeed in PhD-level biomedical research careers. The program provides a cohesive and comprehensive suite of training experiences for undergraduate students that includes innovative research preparatory activities; rigorous, guided research experiences; intensive academic, professional, and personal mentoring; a wide variety of professional development workshops, including discussions about the responsible conduct of science; workshops that address issues of self-identity; and support in the application process for PhD programs. All activities are designed to increase students' professional preparation and sense of self-efficacy, thus enabling them to succeed as scientists. All activities will be rigorously evaluated to assess their efficacy and guide modifications that will optimally serve these goals. Central to the program is a strong, well-established partnership with Dana Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC), reinforced by our U54 UMB-DF/HCC Minority-Serving Institution/Comprehensive Cancer Center partnership grant, as well as several new partnerships and collaborations. The DF/HCC partnership provides student research opportunities in the context of a successful institutional collaboration, while all of the external partnerships provide enrichment activities and a pipeline to outstanding PhD programs. The IMSD is also designed to have broad impacts on the university by 1) providing an academic and scientific enrichment program for all students, aimed at raising awareness of research and leading more students to research endeavors; 2) taking a leadership role in developing, modeling, and evaluating training strategies for all science students; 3) developing, modeling, and evaluating a program of supplemental instruction for all students in historically difficult courses; 4) providing an evidence-based mentor training program; 5) nurturing partnerships with institutions and alliances that will transition students to graduate programs; and 6) synergizing with student learning communities and training programs at UMB to extend their reach. We envision IMSD serving as the linchpin connecting ongoing efforts and partnerships. IMSD will contribute leadership to implement the institution's strategic plan for bringing about cultural and curricular changes that will increase the number of PhD-ready students in the sciences.

Social scientists know that minority students are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. However, they also know that the reasons for this are complex, seem to vary by cultural group, and are shaped by global as well as local processes. The goal of this research project is to see if increased multicultural contact, such as that brought about by economic and cultural globalization, affects student STEM achievement and success. Drawing on an interdisciplinary suite of theories and methods, Dr. Rosalyn Negron and Dr. Adan Colon-Carmona, both of the University of Massachusetts Boston, will undertake research to refine the conceptualization and measurement of multiculturalism, and examine specific interactions between multiculturalism and STEM skills as correlates of STEM success. The researchers hypothesize that multiculturalism will be associated with key STEM skills, and that under-represented minority students who persist in STEM studies beyond the first academic year will be more likely to be multicultural than students who drop out of STEM studies.

The research will be conducted in the College of Sciences and Mathematics at the University of Massachusetts Boston, a minority serving institution. The researchers and a team of graduate and undergraduate assistants will recruit STEM students who self-identity as belonging to one of the university's underrepresented minority categories (American Indian/Alaskan Native, African American/Black, Hispanic/Latin, Cape Verdean, Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander, and Southeast Asian). They will administer standard scales and conduct life history and social network interviews with a small sample (N = 18). Results from that first phase will be used to develop a Multiculturalism Scale and survey that will be completed by 100 students. This will be followed by testing for STEM competences and cross-cultural communication skills. Finally, they will employ a case-control methodology by comparing students who persist in STEM programs with those who do not.

Summary: The University of Massachusetts, Boston (UMass Boston) and Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC) initiated their Partnership in August 2002. The early years of the Partnership during the U56 funding period (2005-2010) established the foundational support and scientific leadership needed to build a solid and vibrant research collaboration. Moving forward, the U54 mechanism drew on this foundation resulting in a robust set of activities in research, capacity building and outreach. Two key tenets guide this sustained partnership between UMass Boston and DF/HCC: a) A common and intense interest in addressing the problem of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality; and b) A belief that through the Partnership, each institution will achieve benefits that neither could achieve on its own. This application for renewal provides extensive evidence of the ways these tenets have been operationalized, the resulting benefits for both institutions and the ways in which this Partnership is now poised to make, at an elevated level, significant advances to the science of cancer control. We are proposing activities that draw on the latest science to understand and address cancer disparities through a transdisciplinary approach that embodies our Partnership theme of ?Cells to Society.? In support of our new cohesive theme, we have proposed three sophisticated, highly competitive research projects across several areas of basic biomedical and population sciences that will employ evidence and methods to converge upon and impact cancer and cancer health disparities at multiple levels of analysis. To elucidate new areas of research opportunity, the Partnership is excited to explore the intersection between biology-based sciences and social/behavioral sciences. The immediate priorities of the Partnership are: 1) Continuing capacity building for biomedical and cancer research at UMass Boston and cancer disparities research at DF/HCC; 2) Enhancing and scaling up research experiences for students with a specific focus on underrepresented minorities (URMs), across the entire educational pipeline ?from undergraduate to postdoctoral levels (see Research Education Core); 3) Continuing close mentoring of early stage investigators with a focus on research and career development; 4) Building a strong and robust Outreach Core that draws on the state of the science from dissemination and implementation sciences (D&I) for building partnerships, translating knowledge and monitoring the results of the translation efforts to build and sustain capacity among community-based organizations (see Outreach Core); 5) Offering infrastructural support to U54 investigators through two service cores, including the Research Design and Analysis, and Genomics Cores (see Shared Resource Core); and 6) Ensuring sustainability for projects, Cores and research education programs via dedicated planning and execution of grant matching with NIH-mechanisms, foundation support and/or institutional support.

Summary: The Research Education Core (REC) of the UMass Boston ? Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center U54 Partnership seeks to increase the number of individuals, especially those from underrepresented populations, who pursue graduate degrees and careers in cancer research, health disparities, and/or biomedical science. By ensuring high-quality research experiences, strong mentoring, and the development of specialized skills, the Core will encourage and prepare promising students for a research career. The framework for the Research Education Core focuses on three areas critical to the development of research scientists: 1) acquisition of scientific knowledge; 2) development of communication skills; and 3) individualized career preparation. Promising students who are at different levels in the pipeline continuum will be selected through a competitive process to participate in a multi-year educational experience tailored to their individual needs and educational level ? undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, graduate, and postdoctoral ? at least 150 students will be educated over the five years of the grant. At the undergraduate level, students will work on projects full and part-time during the summer (10-15 weeks) and part-time during the academic year. At the post-baccalaureate level, college graduates interested in pursuing doctoral study in biomedical/social- behavioral cancer and cancer disparities research will engage in a one-year intensive research education experience. At the postdoctoral level, fellows in nursing, the basic sciences, and population science will have two years of support in an intensive research education program while they build an independent research track on a pathway toward an academic position or related professional position. Partnership faculty will mentor and prepare students, at all three levels, to become cancer/cancer disparities research scientists who appreciate the translation implications of research and can work in multidisciplinary teams. The research experiences will emphasize team science and examining the determinants of mechanisms and processes across multiple levels and disciplines. Via scientific and professional development seminars and strong mentoring, students will build their scientific knowledge and enhance their ability to pursue a career in research or any area of the biomedical and bio-behavioral sciences. Briefly, the Core's specific aims are to: 1) Expand and diversify the pool of individuals, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, who pursue cancer/cancer disparities research careers, 2) Build the capacity of UMass Boston and DF/HCC investigators to provide mentored research experiences. 3) Track participants' academic and career progress and assess the impact of the program, 4) Contribute to the literature on research education initiatives through the submission of manuscripts to peer-reviewed publications, and 5) Sustain and expand the Partnership's research education initiatives through the attainment of grants and philanthropic gifts.

University of Massachusetts, Boston (UMB) will implement an ADVANCE Catalyst project to conduct an institutional self-assessment to understand the status of women faculty in STEM disciplines on the main campus. The three goals for the project are: 1) examining the systemic barriers and facilitators of gender and racial equity among STEM faculty through an intersectional lens in the realms of hiring, tenure, promotion, differential service burdens, and faculty sense of belonging, 2) piloting a strategy to address the systemic causes of gender and racial inequities for faculty, and 3) empowering faculty and administrators to promote gender and racial equity. The project will focus on the intersections of faculty gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, different abilities, family status, and faculty appointment type and rank.
This two-year project will prepare the university for future data collection and data analyses of faculty equity which can be used by institutional leadership to inform decision-making. The Catalyst work will also prepare the institution to implement evidence-based strategies to enhance the university climate for all faculty which will be outlined in a five-year faculty equity strategic plan that will be produced as part of this project.
The NSF ADVANCE program is designed to foster gender equity through a focus on the identification and elimination of organizational barriers that impede the full participation and advancement of diverse faculty in academic institutions. Organizational barriers that inhibit equity may exist in policies, processes, practices, and the organizational culture and climate. ADVANCE "Catalyst" awards provide support for institutional equity assessments and the development of five-year faculty equity strategic plans at an academic, non-profit institution of higher education.

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.