RUI: cell size and molecular concentrations in eukaryotes

The National Science Foundation's Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences awarded $767,880 to the Research Foundation of the City University of New York (RFCUNY), doing business as Brooklyn College, under the Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074) for a three-year project beginning September 1, 2025, and concluding August 31, 2028. This Research at Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) grant supports fundamental research investigating the molecular mechanisms by which eukaryotic cells regulate and sense their size, utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae (budding yeast) as a model organism. The research combines advanced imaging tools with genome-wide analyses to identify key signaling proteins, particularly protein kinase C (PKC) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), that control cell size and cellular processes.

The project will deliver scientific outputs including identification of cell signaling pathways that detect size changes, mechanistic data on cytoplasmic and nuclear dilution in growing cells using genetically encoded nanoparticles, and molecular characterization of size regulation through high-throughput single-cell transcriptomics. Beyond research outputs, the grant provides hands-on research training and educational experiences for undergraduate students at Brooklyn College, a public institution in New York City. The broader impacts include advancing knowledge of cell size control mechanisms applicable across eukaryotic systems and establishing a systematic research curriculum that provides undergraduates with direct laboratory experience and scientific training.

Abstract

Every cell type has a characteristic size that is essential for proper function. Cells grow to a determined size and then either divide or stop growing. However, IT remains unclear how cells ?know? And regulate their size, and how size influences cell behavior. This NSF-funded project will uncover the mechanisms by which cells sense and respond to changes in size, using the budding yeast saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model system. Our research focuses on the role of specific signaling proteins (protein kinase C and map kinase) to understand how they control cell size and adjust cellular processes. To address these questions, we will combine advanced imaging tools with genome-wide analyses to identify key proteins involved in cell size regulation and to understand how size changes impact cell physiology. This project will provide hands-on research opportunities for undergraduate students at brooklyn college, a public university in new york city. This study will probe the molecular mechanisms that regulate cell size in S. Cerevisiae to: 1) identify cell signaling pathway(S) that detects changes in cell size; 2) use genetically encoded multimeric nanoparticles combined with imaging and data analysis to define mechanisms of cytoplasmic and nuclear dilution in growing cells; and 3) utilize high-throughput single-cell transcriptomics to understand the molecular underpinnings of cell size regulation. The project focuses on protein kinase C (PKC) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKS) to elucidate how cells perceive their size and activate PKC-mapk signaling pathways to ?decide? Their subsequent behavior. Broader impacts of this proposal include: 1) the potential to significantly advance our knowledge of cell size control across eukaryotes; 2) provide research opportunities for undergraduates and a head start with lab experience and scientific research; and 3) establish a 'systematic curriculum' integrated into upper-level biology courses designed to increase the number of students engaged in stem. 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.- subawards are not planned for this award.