This Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation (CFDA 47.074 - Biological Sciences) to Cornell University provides $230,000.00 to support research aimed at understanding the emergence of novel traits, with a focus on the unique stinging cells found in cnidarians (corals, jellyfish, etc.). The key products and services to be delivered under this 5-year award include:
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Characterizing the protein-protein interactions necessary for the development of the stinging apparatus in diverse cnidarian nematocyte (stinging cell) types through mass spectrometry and proteomic analysis (Aim 1).
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Reconstructing the evolutionary events that led to the fixation of the nematocyte-specific protein minicollagen in the cnidarian genome, using genome engineering techniques to alter protein localization (Aim 2).
The overarching goal is to develop a framework for predicting how novel protein-coding genes can give rise to novel biological traits, using the nematocyte as a model system. The research also aims to better prepare undergraduate students for integrative research careers and increase public science literacy through new learning resources.
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