This $355,123 Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation's Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074) supports research at the University of Central Florida to use genetic engineering techniques to manipulate the immune system genes of laboratory frogs and study their impact on resistance to the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. The project aims to determine whether modifying major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes can enhance the survival of genetically engineered frogs when exposed to this destructive fungus, which has led to global amphibian population declines. In addition to the experimental research, the award will provide training opportunities for early career scientists and engage undergraduate students and the public on gene editing technologies. The project period runs from August 2024 to July 2027.
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