Bioinformatics
and Computational Biology |
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Bioinformatics
Applications in the general area of complex biological systems to
create or maintain databases, develop or use methods to mine data
in these databases, or use methods commonly associated with bioinformatics
to deduce information about biological systems and molecules. Excludes
applications related to structural genomics, protein structure,
and population biology. |
Contact:
C. John Whitmarsh, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 451-6446
E-mail: whitmarj@nigms.nih.gov
|
Centers
-- Complex Biological Systems Not Related to Trauma and Burn
Center grant applications in the area of complex biological systems
not related to burn and trauma. |
Contact:
James J. Anderson, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 451-6446
E-mail: andersoj@nigms.nih.gov
|
Centers
-- Complex Biological Systems Related to Trauma and Burn
Center grant applications in the area of complex biological systems
for burn and trauma. |
Contact:
Scott D. Somers, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-3827
E-mail: somerss@nigms.nih.gov
|
Modeling
Applications that propose to develop or use modeling techniques
to answer questions in complex biological systems. |
Contact:
James J. Anderson, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 451-6446
E-mail: andersoj@nigms.nih.gov
|
Cell
Biology and Biophysics |
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Biophysical
Properties of Nucleic Acids
Research involving the application of physical principles to the
study of nucleic acids and protein-nucleic acid complexes. Areas
of research include: physical and chemical studies on the structure
of nucleic acids and protein-nucleic acid complexes; analysis of
protein–nucleic acid interactions and assembly mechanisms;
ligand-nucleic acid interactions; development of physical, chemical,
and theoretical/computational techniques for the analysis of nucleic
acids and their complexes. |
Contact:
Peter C. Preusch, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0828
E-mail: preuschp@nigms.nih.gov
|
Biophysical
Properties of Proteins
Biophysical studies of protein structure and stability in which
the goal is to elucidate general principles. Physical and thermodynamic
basis for native structure, protein-protein interactions, and protein-ligand
recognition. Protein de novo design and engineering. |
Contact:
Ravi Basavappa, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0828
E-mail: basavapr@nigms.nih.gov
|
Diffraction
Analysis of Biological Macromolecules
Structural studies of protein and macromolecular assemblies utilizing
X-ray crystallography and related methods. Emphasis is on analysis
of complex or technically difficult structures. Development of new
or improved methods for diffraction analysis such as instrumentation,
experimental techniques, and data analysis. Development of better
methods for crystallization. |
Contact:
Paula Flicker, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0828
E-mail: flickerp@nigms.nih.gov
|
Mathematical
Methods and Biostatistics
Research on mathematical methods related to the solution of biological
problems, such as modeling, simulation, heuristic methods and computer
sciences. Development of biostatistical methods and analysis software. |
Contact:
C. John Whitmarsh, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 451-6446
E-mail: whitmarj@nigms.nih.gov
|
Nuclear
Magnetic Resonance Analysis of Biological Macromolecules
Studies of proteins, nucleic acids, peptides and related biological
macromolecules where the emphasis is on the use of nuclear magnetic
resonance; development of techniques for nuclear magnetic resonance
spectroscopy. |
Contact:
Janna P. Wehrle, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0828
E-mail: wehrlej@nigms.nih.gov
|
Protein
Folding and Dynamics
Studies of protein folding, in vivo and in vitro,
in which the goal is to elucidate general principles. Protein folding
mechanisms and kinetics. The role of molecular chaperones in facilitating
folding. The role of structural mobility in protein function, folding,
and allosteric control. |
Contact:
Janna P. Wehrle, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0828
E-mail: wehrlej@nigms.nih.gov
|
Single
Molecule Biophysics and Nanoscience
Research on, and development of, new and improved instruments, methods,
and technologies for nanoscience, and for the analysis of single
protein and nucleic acid molecules and their complexes in vivo and
in vitro. Current approaches include optical and fluorescent spectroscopies,
scanning probe microscopy, and biomechanical techniques to analyze
the behavior and heterogeneity of single molecules and subcellular
structures at the nanometer scale. Examples of targets for study
include protein or RNA folding, enzyme catalysis, signaling, molecular
machines, and the assembly and dynamics of complex cellular structures.
A major goal is to develop and enhance existing methods and reagents
for the 3-D visualization of cellular processes in living cells
in real time at high resolution. |
Contact:
Catherine D. Lewis, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0828
E-mail: lewisc@nigms.nih.gov
|
Structure-Based
Drug Design Related to AIDS
Interdisciplinary program projects, involving structural biologists,
synthetic organic chemists, theoreticians and virologists whose
purpose is to develop anti-AIDS drugs using structure-based drug
design. |
Contact:
Ravi Basavappa, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0828
E-mail: basavapr@nigms.nih.gov
|
Theoretical
Studies of Protein Folding, Association, and Aggregation
Includes theoretical and computationally based studies on protein
folding pathways and mechanisms leading both native and non-native
protein conformational states, protein-protein associations leading
to protein aggregates and precipitates (e.g., amyloid formation),
and protein-protein complex formation leading to supramolecular
complexes. Includes prediction of protein structures from sequence,
homology modeling based on known protein structures, recognition
of protein folds. |
Contact:
Janna P. Wehrle, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0828
E-mail: wehrlej@nigms.nih.gov
|
Theoretical
Studies of Protein Ligand Interactions
Includes theoretical and computationally based studies on the basic
molecular forces and effects that drive molecular interactions (electrostatics,
hydrogen bonding, hydration effects), applications of these forces
to the docking of small molecules with proteins (including studies
of protein and ligand conformational dynamics), and details of the
active site interactions as examined by quantum mechanics, molecular
dynamics, and related methods. Non-AIDS related structure-based
drug design. |
Contact:
Peter C. Preusch, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0828
E-mail: preuschp@nigms.nih.gov
|
Viral
Attachment, Assembly, Fusion and Budding
Research involving the application of physical principles to the
study of viral attachment, assembly, fusion and budding. Areas of
research include: analysis of virus-host interactions; phage and
viral packaging; the structure and mechanism of assemblies from
viral and host components; and the determination of factors and
energetics that regulate protein-nucleic acid interactions necessary
for virion entry, packaging, maturation, and release. |
Contact:
Ravi Basavappa, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0828
E-mail: basavapr@nigms.nih.gov
|
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Cell
Attachment, Extracellular Matrix and Signaling
Molecular biology and cell biology of cell attachment and the extracellular
matrix (ECM). The structural biology of related signaling processes.
Cell surface proteins mediating cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions.
Composition, structure, assembly, remodeling, and function of the
ECM. Structural biology of signaling associated with cell attachment,
chemokines, receptor protein kinases, and adapter proteins. |
Contact:
Paula Flicker, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0828
E-mail: flickerp@nigms.nih.gov
|
Cell
Organization, Motility, and Division
Spatial organization in cells, non-muscle motility and the regulation
of cell division. Structure and function of the cytoskeleton. Molecular
motors, mechanisms of motility, and chemotaxis. Structural and dynamic
aspects of mitosis and meiosis, spindle structure and assembly,
chromosome attachment and movement. |
Contact:
James F. Deatherage, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0828
E-mail: deatherj@nigms.nih.gov
|
Membrane
Structure, Active Transport, and Lipid Metabolism
All aspects of membrane structure including the nature of bilayers,
membrane protein-lipid interactions, and membrane active transport.
The cell biology and biophysics of membrane lipids, lipid structure
and function, lipid interactions, and lipid and membrane mediators
of signal transduction. |
Contact:
Jean Chin, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0828
E-mail: chinj@nigms.nih.gov
|
Membrane
Synthesis and Function
All aspects of membrane synthesis including membrane development
and maintenance. Function includes membrane turnover, passive transport,
membrane receptors, endocytosis, protein targeting. |
Contact:
Bert Shapiro, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0828
E-mail: shapirob@nigms.nih.gov
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Microscopy
of Molecules and Cells
Analysis of the structures of cells, supramolecular assemblies,
and macromolecules by microscopy. Applications and technology development
of microscopy at the atomic through cellular levels. High resolution
electron microscopy, cellular tomography, light microscopy (including
three-dimensional methods), X-ray microscopy, scanning probe microscopy
and other microscopic methods for visualizing cellular and molecular
structure. Development of reagents, instrumentation, and software
related to the above for basic research on cellular and molecular
structure and function. |
Contact:
James F. Deatherage, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0828
E-mail: deatherj@nigms.nih.gov
|
Motors,
Filaments, and Transport
Cytoskeletal filaments and their interactions with molecular motors.
Organization and dynamics of the cytoskeleton during mitosis, meiosis,
and cytokinesis. Structure, function, and assembly of cilia and
flagella. Establishment and maintenance of cell polarity. Organelle
organization and transport within cells. Bacterial motility.
|
Contact:
Dr. Paula Flicker
Phone: 301-594-0828
E-mail: flickerp@nigms.nih.gov
|
Structural
Genomics and Proteomics Technology |
Proteomics
Research
Studies of basic biology and biochemistry within the general sphere
of interest of the Institute which is based on genomic data combined
with information on the complete complement of proteins present
in the system under investigation. |
Contact:
Charles G. Edmonds, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0828
E-mail: edmondsc@nigms.nih.gov
|
Proteomics
Technology and Methodology Development
Development of scalable methods for the evaluation of the complete
complement of proteins present in a system of biological interest.
Information of interest includes protein identity, relative and
absolute abundance, the identity of partners in protein-protein
and other interactions and the localization of the proteins in space
and time. Technical approaches may include but are not limited to
protein separations in conventional and miniature formats, protein
mass spectrometry and protein interaction array methods. |
Contact:
Charles G. Edmonds, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0828
E-mail: edmondsc@nigms.nih.gov
|
Structural
Genomics Large-scale Centers
Large-scale research centers will perform all the tasks of the structural
genomics pipeline in high throughput operation. These centers will
produce a large number of unique protein structures by X-ray crystallography
and/or NMR in order to meet PSI-2 goals for structural coverage
of sequenced genes.. |
Contact:
John C. Norvell, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0828
E-mail: norvellj@nigms.nih.gov
|
Structural
Genomics Pilot Centers Projects
High throughput research centers that serve as pilots to examine
the best approach for developing subsequent integrated, large-scale
research networks in structural genomics. These research centers
should include all the constituent tasks of structural genomics
and should lead to large-scale high throughput structure determination
by X-ray crystallography and/or NMR of these challenging proteins. |
Contact:
John C. Norvell, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0828
E-mail: norvellj@nigms.nih.gov
|
Structural
Genomics Research
Studies of protein structures and protein structural families involved
in a biological system or process within the general sphere of interest
of the Institute. Protein studies should include the bioinformatics
of structural selection and protein family classification, high
throughput protein structure determination and the analysis of protein
structures based on a genomic perspective. |
Contact:
Ward Smith, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0828
E-mail: smithwar@nigms.nih.gov
|
Structural
Genomics Resources
Various resources are important to the Protein Structure Initiative
(PSI). This includes databases and repositories that make products
from the PSI centers available to the scientific community. |
Contact:
John C. Norvell, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0828
E-mail: norvellj@nigms.nih.gov
|
Structural
Genomics Specialized Centers
Specialized research centers will focus on challenging proteins
that are not currently amenable to high throughput and therefore
represent major bottlenecks to the structural genomics pipeline.
These research centers will include all the constituent tasks of
structural genomics and will develop methods and technologies for
protein production and structure determination that will lead to
high throughput operation. |
Contact:
John C. Norvell, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0828
E-mail: norvellj@nigms.nih.gov
|
Structural
Genomics Technology and Methodology Development
Enhancement of technology and methodology for the constituent tasks
of structural genomics with emphasis on increasing efficiency, lowering
costs and promoting high throughput operation. Included are the
identification of protein families and target selection, generation
of protein (including expression, crystallization, and isotopic
labeling studies where the emphasis is automation or high throughput),
structure determination of selected protein targets by X-ray crystallography
or NMR, and protein structure analyses. |
Contact:
Charles G. Edmonds, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0828
E-mail: edmondsc@nigms.nih.gov
|
Genetics
and Developmental Biology |
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Developmental
and Cellular Processes |
Cell
Cycle and Cell Death
Control of cell cycle progression and programmed cell death (apoptosis). Cell cycle areas include: genetic and molecular regulation and function of cell cycle checkpoints and components of the cell cycle, including: cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), inhibitors, activators, and tumor suppressors; synthesis, post-translational modification and degradation of the cell cycle machinery; temporal and spatial regulation of the cell cycle. Cell death areas include: studies on the molecular, genetic, spatial and temporal regulation of programmed cell death and apoptosis signaling pathways, including caspases, mitochondrial release of cell death regulators, such as cytochrome c, structure and function of the apoptosome, effectors of cell death. |
Contact:
Marion M. Zatz, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0943
E-mail: zatzm@nigms.nih.gov
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Chromosomes and Epigenetics
Higher order chromosome architecture, including specialized structures such as telomeres and centromeres; structure and function of chromatin and large protein-DNA complexes, including interactions of DNA with nonhistone proteins; epigenetic factors influencing gene expression such as histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, DNA methylation, heterochromatin formation, position effects, imprinting, X-inactivation, gene silencing. |
Contact:
Anthony Carter, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0943
E-mail: cartera@nigms.nih.gov
|
Developmental
Genetics
Regulation of development in multicellular organisms. Areas include: genetic and molecular regulation of embryonic pattern formation, developmental signaling pathways, tissue induction, cell fate determination, and cell and tissue polarity; spatial and temporal localization of developmental determinants; regulation of cell movements in embryogenesis and morphogenesis; germ cell formation and development; sex determination; regulatory networks controlling developmental pathways. |
Contact:
Susan Haynes, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0943
E-mail: hayness@nigms.nih.gov
|
Ethical,
Legal, and Social Issues in Genetics
Ethical, legal, and social issues in genetics, especially as they
relate to the use of stored human tissues for research and to studies
on ethnically identifiable populations. |
Contact:
Richard A. Anderson, M.D., Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0943
E-mail: andersor@nigms.nih.gov
|
Eukaryotic Cell Growth, Differentiation, and Adaptation
Specification and integration of regulatory pathway elements responding to growth factors and hormones; internal and environmental agents and stressors such as temperature, oxygen, metals and toxins; to metabolic requirements; and to signals for differentiation. Emphasis is on principles determining signaling pathway dynamics and network organization. Approaches include the incorporation of unique genomic tools and computation modeling, where such models are focused on gene regulatory networks. |
Contact:
Richard A. Anderson, M.D., Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0943
E-mail: andersor@nigms.nih.gov
|
Genetics of Symbiotic Relationships
Genetics of physiological interchanges among dissimilar organisms, including commensal, mutualistic, and parasitic relationships, where model systems are used to elucidate general principles. Also includes the regulatory processes governing community structure and function, including the regulation and organization of biofilms. |
Contact:
James J. Anderson, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 451-6446
E-mail: andersoj@nigms.nih.gov
|
Neurogenetics
and the Genetics of Behavior
Genetic, molecular, and/or genomic characterization of simple and complex behaviors in non-human model systems, where the focus is on neural function rather than neural development. Genetic, molecular, and/or genomic characterization of circadian rhythms, sleep, and related phenomena in non-human systems, with an emphasis on invertebrates, plants, fungi, and bacteria. |
Contact:
Laurie Tompkins, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0943
E-mail: tompkinl@nigms.nih.gov
|
Prokaryotic Cell Growth, Differentiation, and Adaptation
Specification and integration of regulatory pathway elements responding to internal and environmental agents and stressors such as temperature, osmotic changes, oxygen deprivation and toxicity; to metabolic requirements; to signals for differentiation, including agents of intercellular communication. Emphasis is on principles determining signaling pathway dynamics and network organization. Approaches include the incorporation of genomics and computation modeling, where such models are focused on gene regulatory networks. |
Contact:
James J. Anderson, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 451-6446
E-mail: andersoj@nigms.nih.gov
|
Stem Cell Biology and Regeneration
Studies on the fundamental properties of adult, germline and embryonic stem cells and on the regulation of tissue and organ regeneration. Stem cell areas include: molecular, cellular, genetic and epigenetic properties of stem cells; nuclear re-programming of somatic cells, including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS); signaling pathways in stem cell differentiation; role of stem cell niches and microenvironments in stem cell differentiation. Regeneration areas include genetic, molecular and/or genomic regulation of tissue and organ regeneration in non-human model systems, including plants. |
Contact:
Susan Haynes, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0943
E-mail: hayness@nigms.nih.gov
and
Marion M. Zatz, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0943
E-mail: zatzm@nigms.nih.gov
|
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DNA
Repair and Mutagenesis
Enzymes and mechanisms of DNA repair; mechanisms of action of mutagens
and carcinogens; genetics and biochemistry of mutation; interactions
of mutagens with nucleic acids. |
Contact:
Matthew Portnoy, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0943
E-mail: mportnoy@nigms.nih.gov
|
DNA Replication
Enzymes and mechanisms of DNA replication; regulation of DNA replication;
mechanisms of reverse transcription; RNA replication. |
Contact:
Matthew Portnoy, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0943
E-mail: mportnoy@nigms.nih.gov
|
Genetic
Basis of Human Biology
Genetic and environmental factors that influence the development of complex human phenotypes; statistical methods for analysis of genetic variation influencing human phenotypes; investigations of genetic mechanisms that determine phenotype in human subjects evaluated at the cellular, tissues, organ system or clinical level; genetic studies employing eukaryotic model organisms when the projects are explicitly relevant to a human process or phenotype; development of genetic and genomic techniques specific to investigations of human material. |
Contact:
Richard A. Anderson, M.D., Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0943
E-mail: andersor@nigms.nih.gov
|
Population
Genetics and Evolution
Genetics of natural and laboratory populations; analysis of genetic variation in complex traits in humans and model organisms; evolutionary principles of living systems, including chromosome evolution, phenotypic evolution, and speciation; evolution of development; co-adapting systems such as host-pathogen evolution; statistical methods and mathematical models for evolutionary and population genetic analysis. |
Contact:
Irene A. Eckstrand, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0943
E-mail: eckstrai@nigms.nih.gov
|
Protein
Synthesis
Protein synthesis as a process, including initiation, elongation and termination; synthesis, structure and function of all biochemical components of the translation system, namely tRNA, rRNA, ribosomal proteins, and initiation and termination factors; structure, function and metabolism of cytoplasmic mRNA; control of gene expression at the level of translation, including RNA editing, mRNA stability, and nonsense-mediated decay. |
Contact:
Laurie Tompkins, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0943
E-mail: tompkinl@nigms.nih.gov
|
Recombination
Regulation of recombination including meiotic and mitotic chromosome pairing and synapsis; mechanism and control of special types of gene rearrangements, including site specific integration and excision of viruses, transposable elements, and other episomes; insertion sequences and other specialized regions of recombination involved in gene transposition; ploidy variation; recombination in the context of genetic engineering. |
Contact:
Matthew Portnoy, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0943
E-mail: mportnoy@nigms.nih.gov
|
RNA Processing and Non-Coding RNAs
Splicing of all species of RNA following completion of transcription and prior to translational events in the cytoplasm; processing of RNA, including methylation, capping, and polyadenylation; mechanism and regulation of alternative splicing and trans-splicing; formation, structure, function, and regulation of spliceosomal precursors and components; mechanism and regulation of self-splicing; mechanisms of production and regulation of siRNAs, microRNAs, and related non-coding RNAs; intranuclear transport of RNA. |
Contact:
Judith Greenberg, Ph.D.
Phone: 301-594-0943
E-mail: greenbej@nigms.nih.gov
|
Transcription
Mechanisms
Genetic, biochemical, biophysical, and structural characterization of the macromolecular interactions that mediate DNA-dependent RNA transcription; genomics- and expression-based strategies for identifying, on a global basis, molecules and sequences involved in regulating transcription; development of reagents and techniques for visualizing or manipulating transcription. |
Contact:
Laurie Tompkins, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-0943
E-mail: tompkinl@nigms.nih.gov
|
Pharmacology,
Physiology, and Biological Chemistry |
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Biochemistry
and Biorelated Chemistry |
Bioenergetics
The topics include: 1) structure, mechanisms, assembly, and regulation
of the energy transducing enzymes of mitochondria, chloroplasts,
and microorganisms -- electron transport, photosynthesis, H+-coupled
ATPases, including vacuolar and outer membrane H+-ATPases; 2) related
metabolism, including biogenesis of cofactors and substrate transport;
3) metabolic diseases arising from dysfunction of mitochondrial
enzyme complexes. |
Contact:
Richard Ikeda, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-3827
E-mail: ikedar@nigms.nih.gov
|
Bioinorganic
Chemistry
Studies of the structural and functional role of metal ions in biological
systems, particularly the design and preparation of structural/functional
models of metal sites in proteins and comparisons of those models
with the native proteins. Interactions of metal ions and metal-containing
drugs with nucleic acids. Metal ion homeostasis, including pathways
of cellular uptake and sub-cellular transport, sensors of metal
ion concentrations, and the role of metals as sensors and effectors
in regulation of metabolism. |
Contact:
Miles A. Fabian, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-3827
E-mail: fabianm@mail.nih.gov
|
Bioorganic
and Medicinal Chemistry
The design, synthesis, and testing of novel probes of biological
pathways, potentially new medicinal agents, and mimics of macromolecular
function and natural processes, leading to an understanding of the
relationship of chemical structure to biological activity and improved
insight into mechanisms of biological function. Also includes studies
on the isolation, purification, and structural characterization
of novel, non-macromolecular compounds from natural sources. |
Contact:
Miles A. Fabian, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-3827
E-mail: fabianm@mail.nih.gov
|
Biotechnology
The development of potentially useful biochemical and chemical agents
and processes that are derived from living cells or their components.
Research in metabolic engineering that is directed toward establishing
in vivo means of producing useful biological materials (polyketides,
for example) or toward an expanded understanding of metabolic processes. |
Contact:
Warren C. Jones, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-3827
E-mail: jonesw@nigms.nih.gov
|
Enzyme
Catalysis And Regulation
The molecular basis of the catalytic and regulatory properties of
enzymes, including those involved in the modification of macromolecules;
biochemical intermediates produced in catalytic processes; the regulation,
coordination, or modification of primary and secondary metabolite
production. |
Contacts:
Warren C. Jones, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-3827
E-mail: jonesw@nigms.nih.gov
Richard Ikeda, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-3827
E-mail: ikedar@nigms.nih.gov
|
Glycoconjugates
Structure, function, and metabolism (synthesis, modification, degradation)
of carbohydrate-containing macromolecules especially where the emphasis
is directed toward the carbohydrate portion of the molecule. The
focus of investigations may range from glycoproteins to simple/complex
polysaccharides of both procaryotic and eucaryotic origin, and includes
plant lectins. |
Contact:
Pamela Marino, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-3827
E-mail: marinop@nigms.nih.gov
|
Redox
Biochemistry
The topics include structure and function of enzymes catalyzing
oxidation-reduction reactions involving, e.g., flavin, heme, non-heme
iron, copper, and quinone cofactors -- oxidases, oxygenases, hydroxylases,
dehydrogenases, etc., except those directly involved bioenergetics.
Topics also include regulation of cellular redox balance, oxidative
stress, and detoxification of reactive oxygen species, nitrosative
stress, and protection from reactive nitrogen species. |
Contacts:
Richard Ikeda, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-3827
E-mail: ikedar@nigms.nih.gov
Warren C. Jones, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-3827
E-mail: jonesw@nigms.nih.gov
|
Synthesis
and Methodology
Studies that advance the practice of organic synthesis through invention
of new strategies for the construction of complex molecules, fundamental
studies of chemical structure and reactivity, and the invention
of new reagents, catalysts, and reaction protocols. The development
of enabling methodologies related to chemical diversity libraries
(including library design, synthesis, and validation) is included. |
Contact:
John M. Schwab, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-3827
E-mail: schwabj@nigms.nih.gov
|
Pharmacological
and Physiological Sciences |
Anesthesia
and Integrated Systems
Research on the systemic effects of anesthesia including: absorption,
distribution, metabolism, and biotransformation of local and general
anesthetics, and adjuncts to anesthesia including muscle relaxants
and analgesics; factors affecting distribution and interactions
of anesthetics with other drugs, and ways in which anesthetic action
is modified by different disease states. Includes research on the
pharmacological effects of anesthetics on tissue, organ and multi-organ
systems. Also includes studies on pain as it relates t anesthesia
and the perioperative period. Studies on the cause, diagnosis, prevention,
or treatment of malignant hypothermia as it relates to anesthesia
are also included. |
Contact:
Alison E. Cole, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-3827
E-mail: colea@nigms.nih.gov
|
Anesthesia:
Molecular Mechanisms
Research on the molecular pharmacology and mechanisms of actions
of anesthetics: includes interactions of general and local anesthetics
with cellular membranes, receptors, ion channels, and second messenger
systems. A wide range of experimental approaches may be employed
including but not limited to molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology,
electrophysiology, and biophysics. Also includes studies on molecular
mechanisms of adverse actions and toxicity of anesthetics. |
Contact:
Alison E. Cole, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-3827
E-mail: colea@nigms.nih.gov
|
Drug
Disposition/Pharmacokinetics/Toxicology
The portfolio supports research that characterizes the biological
processes involved in the disposition of therapeutic agents, models
pharmacokinetic information for the development of programs to monitor
drug therapy, and investigates the toxicological effects caused
by therapeutic drugs. It includes research on Phase I and Phase
II drug metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters which mediate
the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs
and their metabolites (ADME). Studies to improve bioavailability
of therapeutic molecules by altering interactions with drug transporters
or drug metabolizing enzymes are also supported. Quantitative analysis
of pharmacokinetic parameters to develop mathematically-based modeling
programs to improve drug therapy is supported. Clinical toxicology
studies include research into the adverse effects of therapeutic
drugs that result from drug-drug or drug-protein interactions. The
toxicology portfolio includes research which examines how induction
or inhibition of drug metabolizing enzymes, drug transporters or
other proteins may result in adverse effects or that investigates
the formation of unique metabolites that produce toxic effects in
vivo. The portfolio also includes research on enzymes that metabolize
arachidonic acid to biologically active or toxic agents. |
Contact:
Richard T. Okita, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-3827
E-mail: okitar@nigms.nih.gov
|
Ethical,
Legal, and Social Issues in Pharmacological and Physiological Sciences
These studies examine ethical, legal, and social implications in
the areas that the PPS supports, primarily pharmacogenetics, clinical
pharmacology, anesthesia, and trauma and burn injury. It includes
investigations related to the use of ethnically identifiable populations,
stored tissues, informed consent, public databases, and other related
issues. |
Contact:
Rochelle M. Long, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-3827
E-mail: longr@nigms.nih.gov
|
Innate
Immunity and Inflammation
This section supports studies on cells, mediators, and systems that
regulate the initiation, function, and termination of the inflammatory
and/or innate immune response. Studies may be molecular, biochemical,
and/or physiological in nature and utilize in vitro or in
vivo model systems. |
Contact:
Sarah E. Dunsmore, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-3827
E-mail: dunsmores@mail.nih.gov
|
Molecular
Immunobiology
Basic cellular and molecular mechanisms, when cells of the immune
system serve as advantageous experimental models. Areas include:
signal transduction pathways; cellular aspects of differentiation;
programmed cell death; cell adhesion; exocytosis and endocytosis;
protein transport. |
Contact:
Pamela Marino, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-3827
E-mail: marinop@nigms.nih.gov
|
Pharmacogenetics/Pharmacogenomics
These studies address the contribution of genetic variation to individual
differences in drug responses (pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics).
The systems studied include mechanisms of drug metabolism and clearance,
and the interactions of therapeutic drugs with their receptors and
other biological targets. This PAC includes the Pharmacogenetics
Research Network and Knowledge Base, PharmGKB. |
Contact:
Rochelle M. Long, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-3827
E-mail: longr@nigms.nih.gov
|
Physiology
This section supports research in basic biological mechanisms of
behavior and adaptation. This includes learning, information processing,
and communication systems; biological adaptation to environmental
changes; electrophysiologic and endocrine correlates of behavior;
and the physiology of sleep and stress. |
Contact:
Scott D. Somers, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-3827
E-mail: somerss@nigms.nih.gov
|
Receptors,
Drug Targets, and Signal Transduction
Basic biology of membrane receptors and the molecular mechanisms
of drug interactions with those target receptors. Examples include
adrenergic, cholinergic, and muscarinic receptors; and also serotonin,
adenosine, and glutamate receptors; and ion channels. Includes natural
toxins that are potential probes for these receptors. Biochemistry,
structure, function, and modulation of the GTP-binding proteins
(G proteins), typically in mammalian systems; also the accessory
proteins interacting with this system, such as the regulatory RGS
proteins. Includes the adenylyl cyclases family. Effector enzymes
of signal transduction pathways, and small molecule mediators such
as the inositol trisphosphate pathway, nitric oxide, etc. Other
aspects of signal transduction research, for example, receptor binding
theory. |
Contact:
Sarah E. Dunsmore, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-3827
E-mail: dunsmores@mail.nih.gov
|
Sepsis
This section supports laboratory or clinical studies that focus
on host response to septic shock or severe sepsis. Research in this
section typically does not center on presumptive causes of sepsis
such as microbial infection or predisposing conditions such as traumatic
injury. |
Contact:
Sarah E. Dunsmore, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-3827
E-mail: dunsmores@mail.nih.gov
|
Trauma,
Burn, and Peri-Operative Injury
This section supports basic and clinical investigations in such
areas as physiology, biochemistry, and immunology as they relate
to the host response to traumatic, thermal, or surgical injury,
hemorrhagic and septic shock and complications of critical care
medicine. The research is directed toward an improved understanding
of the total body response to injury, including the biochemical
and physiological changes induced by trauma, and fundamental aspects
of wound healing and biological repair. Research supported in this
section includes studies on the etiology of post-traumatic sepsis,
and the mechanisms of immunosuppression, wound healing and hypermetabolism
following injury. In addition, the section encourages research on
the treatment of post-traumatic infections, nutritional requirements
of convalescing patients, and rehabilitation of injured patients. |
Contact:
Scott D. Somers, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-3827
E-mail: somerss@nigms.nih.gov
|
Wound Healing
This section supports basic and clinical investigations in such
areas as physiology, biochemistry, and immunology as they relate
wound healing. The research is directed toward an improved understanding
of the process of wound healing, the basic fundamental aspects of
wound healing, and the process of biological repair. |
Contact:
Richard Ikeda, Ph.D.
Phone: (301) 594-3827
E-mail: ikedar@nigms.nih.gov
|