Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences awarded $1.2 million to the University of California, Davis under the Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074) on July 15, 2026, with a completion date of June 30, 2030. This Project Grant supports fundamental research into gene-specific nuclear messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) assembly and quality control mechanisms. The research focuses on understanding how genetic information encoded in DNA is transported within cells to direct protein production under varying cellular conditions. Specifically, the project investigates how nuclear mRNP assembly maintains gene expression fidelity in response to three biological challenges: R-loop-prone transcription, mRNA export disruption, and pre-mRNA splicing failures, utilizing gene-specific measurements of ribonucleoprotein stoichiometry, time-resolved recruitment assays at transcription sites, and complementary analytical methodologies.

The deliverables from this award include fundamental scientific knowledge that advances understanding of cellular gene expression processes, with potential applications to improve biomanufacturing and industrial bioproduction systems utilizing cell-based platforms. Additionally, the grant supports workforce development through student training and mentoring in STEM research methodologies and practices, contributing to the development of skilled scientific talent for future careers in molecular biology and biotechnology. The research builds upon prior NSF-supported foundational work conducted in model organisms and applies integrated experimental approaches to characterize protein architectures that define export-competent mRNP complexes.