Dan Wells - US grants

Histones are the major proteins in chromatin and act to package the DNA into nucleosomal structures. The recent characterization of a wide variety of variant and modified histones which are temporally and spatially regulated has implicated these proteins in control of gene expression during differentiation and aging. The ultimate purpose of this proposal is to determine the molecular mechanisms by which histone genes are so diversely regulated in order to approach questions regarding the function of these proteins. This will be accomplish by the detailed analysis the transcriptional, translational, and temporal regulation two members of the H3 subtype of histones. Particular attention will be paid to the detailed molecular structure of these genes and their mRNAs in an effort to determine what mechanisms control their expression. Initially, a descriptive analysis will be performed in order to carefully characterize the regulation of these genes. Subsequently, hybrid gene constructions and deletion mutations will be used to determine sequence elements that control cell cycle and variant gene expression at both the transcriptional and translational levels. Additionally, the function of the introns within H3 genes will be analysed to determine the consequences to cell cycle control and to nuclear processing and transport of the addition of introns to the H3.1 gene and the deletion of introns from the H3.3 gene. In addition, the functional significance of the highly conserved intronic region, and the potential functional role of the transcription termination site within the first intron will be analysed.

This award will provide funds to set up an undergraduate Developmental Biology research laboratory to be used primarily by undergraduate Honors students. The goal of the project is to promote a critical and independent scientific approach during the execution of laboratory experiments in developmental biology by a group of students who are both motivated and likely to enter some profession related to Biology or other science. The funds from this award will be used to equip a laboratory with the instrumentation to carry out several projects each lasting several weeks over the semester. The projects will involve experiments on 1.) Differentiation in cell culture; 2.) Gene expression in Drosophila, in vitro fertilization; 3.) Maternal control of development; 4.) Induction of genes during development. The instrumentation was selected on the basis of the projects proposed by the faculty as being suitable for execution by advanced undergraduate students. The major instruments include a variety of quality microscopes and video recording and imaging equipment for the detailed analysis of morphological and subcellular events. Gel electrophoresis equipment of the analysis of proteins and nucleic acids. Centrifuges, spectrophotometer, incubators, and balances for the preparation, isolation and characterization of material. The grantee institution is matching this NSF award with funds from non-Federal sources.

This is a Shannon Award providing partial support for research projects that fall short of the assigned institute's funding range but are in the margin of excellence. The Shannon award is intended to provide support to test the feasibility of the approach; develop further tests and refine research techniques; perform secondary analysis of available data sets; or conduct discrete projects that can demonstrate the PI's research capabilities or lend additional weight to an already meritorious application. Further scientific data for the CRISP System are unavailable at this time.

Dan E. Wells Proposal # 9987937



Abstract

The Department of Biology and Biochemistry at the University of Houston proposes to establish a Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) site in the field of Molecular and Cellular Biology. Along with a substantial cost-sharing from various administrative units at the University of Houston, NSF funds are requested which together will support twelve undergraduate students who will have the opportunity to conduct research and participate in other science-related activities during the summers of 2000-2002. The objectives of the Program are (1) to provide incentives for students to pursue a career in science by giving them the opportunity for a realistic and rewarding experience in a research environment, and (2) to make this opportunity accessible to a great diversity of students, in particular those from minority groups and those from Institutions with limited research resources. Through this multi-faceted experience, students will be provided with a rigorous, but stimulating training that will convey not only excitement about science, but also expose them to the realistic aspect of conducting basic research. Students will work closely with their mentors, who have designed realistic projects that will teach the practical and conceptual aspects of molecular and cellular Biology. In addition, during their 10-week training, the students will also become familiar with searching and assessing scientific literature, exchange of scientific ideas, and techniques for verbal and written presentation of scientific data. Workshops that expose students to issues such as ethics, safety, and career choices will also be organized. The Program will end with a poster session similar to those featured at scientific meetings, to be attended by the entire faculty and students. The participants who present the two best posters will be awarded with travel funds to attend a national meeting. The success of the Program will be evaluated through student and faculty questionnaires, and by long-term tracking of student participants.

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The proposed work will generate key resources for genetic and molecular studies of the amphibian Xenopus tropicalis. Xenopus tropicalis is an emerging model system for the genetic analysis of vertebrate development, combining the many advantages of its versatile sister species, X. laevis, with the promise of genetics. The chief goal of this project is to generate a genetic map of 5000 Simple Sequence Length Polymorphisms (SSLPs) for use as a community resource. First, a bioinformatics-based strategy will be used to identify Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) from sequences generated by the X. tropicalis Genome Project. A data-mining algorithm will select unique sequences containing SSRs; these sequences will be tested for polymorphisms in the length of the repeat against DNAs from Nigerian (N) and Ivory Coast (IC) individuals, the two major strains of X. tropicalis currently in use. The data mining approach should prove significantly faster and more cost-effective than conventional methods of identifying SSLPs, and it will permit the relatively rapid identification of a large number of markers. Second, a map cross of N x IC will be performed to generate a panel of DNAs from over 550 F2 individuals, representing over 1100 informative meioses and providing a theoretical limit of resolution of less than 0.1 cM. Third, the SSLPs will be tested against the F2 DNA panel in three steps. All of the markers will initially be tested against a subset of 192 samples, and a preliminary linkage analysis will be performed using MAPMAKER. This initial test should resolve over half of the markers; markers that are not resolved in the first round will be tested against a second subset. After a second round of linkage analysis, the remaining unresolved markers would be tested against the third subset. This iterative strategy should decrease the amount of time required to prepare a preliminary map and reduce the number of required mapping reactions. Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) will perform physical confirmation of marker order for 5 percent of markers. Finally, the genetic map, the SSLP database, and information regarding mapping will be made publicly available on a website. These tools will be essential for the mapping and positional cloning of genes identified by mutation and will support rapid advancement in X. tropicalis genetics and genomics. As such, they will play a critical role in the emergence of X. tropicalis as a model system for the genetic analysis of vertebrate development.

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The primary objective of the conference is to establish a clinical and research community devoted to understanding and treating Hereditary Multiple Exostosis (HME). This will be accomplished by bringing together basic researchers and orthopedic physicians, medical geneticists, and families with HME. The meeting will facilitate discussion and collaboration both among and between all groups, accelerating the integration of current knowledge and identifying new areas with future research potential. The three day conference to be held at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Houston, TX is scheduled for November 3, 4, 5, 2005, and will bring together about 40-45 full participants (including 30-40 speakers and 5-10 nonspeaking discussants). The non-speaking discussants are other experts in the field of HME and bone development and disease and members of the MHE Coalition, a co-sponsor of the conference. All conference full participants will be involved in the entire conference and will be required to attend all sessions. The last day of the conference will be expanded to include local medical students, residents, and scientists from other fields as well as individuals and families with HME. There will be 7 scientific sessions including: Introduction/Clinical Genetics; Medical/Orthopedic considerations; EXT Function/ Biochemistry; Non-vertebrate Models; Bone Development I; Bone Development II; Exostoses/Cancer; Non-bone phenotypes/EXT-like genes; Related Bone diseases; HME Workshop. Each session will have three to four invited speakers who will present 20 minute talks followed by 10 minutes of discussion. We will encourage all speakers to generalize their findings with regard to its biological context and significance so that it will be accessible to all participants. Informal discussion will also be encouraged outside of the formal sessions during meals and after the afternoon sessions. It is hoped that these discussions will promote new interactions and collaborations between participants.

[unreadable] DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The primary objective of the conference is to establish a clinical and research community devoted to understanding and treating Hereditary Multiple Exostosis (HME). This will be accomplished by bringing together basic researchers and orthopedic physicians, medical geneticists, and families with HME. The meeting will facilitate discussion and collaboration both among and between all groups, accelerating the integration of current knowledge and identifying new areas with future research potential. The three day conference to be held at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Houston, TX is scheduled for November 3, 4, 5, 2005, and will bring together 40 participants. This includes 30-35 speakers and 5-10 non-speaking discussants. The non-speaking discussants are other experts in the field of HME and bone development and disease and members of the MHE Coalition, a co-sponsor of the conference. All conference participants will be involved in the entire conference and will be required to attend all sessions. The last day of the conference will include individuals and families with HME who will be invited to participate. There will be 7 scientific sessions including: Introduction/Clinical Genetics; Medical/Orthopedic considerations; EXT Function/ Biochemistry; Non-vertebrate Models; Bone Development I; Bone Development II; Exostoses/Cancer; Non-bone phenotypes/EXT-like genes; Related Bone diseases; HME Workshop. Each session will have approximately three to four invited speakers who will present 20 minute talks followed by 10 minutes of discussion. We will encourage all speakers to generalize their findings with regard to its biological context and significance so that it will be accessible to all participants. Informal discussion will also be encouraged outside of the formal sessions during meals and after the afternoon sessions. It is hoped that these discussions will promote new interactions and collaborations between participants. [unreadable] [unreadable]

Houston-Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation-Senior Alliance
Project Summary
The Houston-Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (H-LSAMP) is comprised of the University of Houston, University of Houston-Downtown, Texas Southern University,Texas State University, Houston Community College, San Jacinto College, Rice University, and the Houston Independent School District. During this proposal, the senior alliance will work to institutionalize the Collaborative Learning Community system while enhancing the alliance through 1) recruiting and retaining well-qualified minority Science, Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics majors in an effort to graduate nearly 1,300
underrepresented minority STEM majors annually, 2) developing a mechanism to
increase community college transfer to 75% of level one students, 3) increasing student research and internship participation to over 90% of level one students, 4) sending 10 or more students overseas on meaningful international experiences.
Student Scholars will receive stipends to support their efforts in the collaborative learning community including facilitating workshops, conducting research, providing tutor support, and assisting in enrichment workshops. Scholars will be mentored by a combination of faculty, staff, and peers; have access to student support services such as career centers, writing centers, tutor labs, and academic excellence workshops.
Intellectual Merit: The H-LSAMP proposal is based on strong student support
systems developed from current research and best practices, a proven record of
success, and a demonstrated record of institutionalization. The H-LSAMP program
recruits and supports a large at-risk and financially disadvantaged minority student population in the Southeast Texas region. This alliance works because of a balanced and thorough management plan, with input from all levels of the universities and school systems it serves. A comprehensive collaborative learning community is being institutionalized on all campuses. The alliance expects to contribute to the broader knowledge base by disseminating important new knowledge about the factors that contribute to retention and recruitment of underrepresented minorities, primarily Hispanic and African-Americans pursuing STEM degrees.
Broader Impacts: Texas has a growing economy; while the US lost over 279,000 jobs from August 2007-August 2008, Texas gained 252,000. This growth further outlines the need for a diversified STEM workforce, making programs such as LSAMP even more important, as economically disadvantaged students have a harder time making inroads into technology driven economies. The H-LSAMP affects over 550 level one students and an estimated 5,500-6,000 level two students annually in a comprehensive STEM program. Along with career guidance, and effective career path counseling programs, the alliance sends nearly 40% of its graduates into graduate or professional education post graduation, while placing students in the workforce nationally. With the increasing trend toward globalization in the STEM fields, the alliance is seeking to significantly increase the international exposure and cultural literacy of its
scholars in order to better position them to take up leadership roles in a globalized workforce. Each round of funding has provided the resources required to institutionalize parts of the program, now averaging around $1 million annually. This proposal includes a strong and balanced diversity program, with numerous points of dissemination, and a multifaceted evaluation plan.

The University of Houston (UH), a large urban Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) establishes the Center to ADVANCE UH Faculty. A core strategy will be to "engage the majority" through an ADVANCE Advocates program that engages senior Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) faculty (both male and female) to implement collaboratively UH ADVANCE activities aimed at achieving gender equity in faculty recruitment, retention and advancement. A key innovation is the formation of an ADVANCE Regional Network (ARN), comprising UH and four other ADVANCE institutions in Texas (including one Historically Black College and University and one other HSI). ARN will disseminate information about its programs and will reach out to other institutions in the region to enhance the impact of the National Science Foundation funded projects. Results are expected to be especially helpful to other urban universities, which increasingly serve as engines of innovation and economic development in urban centers and are at the forefront of efforts to increase diversity and gender equity in STEM. ARN will provide a platform through which current ADVANCE Centers in Texas will help other universities (especially predominantly undergraduate institutions and minority serving institutions) in their efforts to promote the success of women STEM faculty.

ADVANCE Center activities will be designed and implemented through four Strategic Initiatives: 1) Recruitment & Retention; 2) Professional Engagement, Development & Advancement; 3) Diversity & Inclusion; and 4) Work-life & Infrastructure. The theoretical framework for this project is based on the Job Demands-Resources model. The social science research team will explore the effects of a faculty-supportive climate at both the individual level and the group level in the context of the Jobs Demands-Resources Model. The results of this research will inform future investments at UH and are expected to be useful for other institutions facing similar challenges related to workforce gender equity. Through ARN, a partnership for mutual learning and dissemination, members will hold joint events, develop an ARN postdoctoral researcher network to enable recruiting among ARN institutions, promote sharing of ADVANCE-related best practices, provide cross institutional mentoring, and address isolation of solo and near-solo women faculty via an e-mentoring network. ARN will disseminate information about its programs and provide a unique platform to reach out to other institutions in the region. ARN will eventually expand to include institutions without ADVANCE funding.