Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Thomas Jefferson University, operating as Sidney Kimmel Medical College, received a $567,411 Project Grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859), effective March 1, 2026, through January 31, 2030. This award supports fundamental biomedical research investigating the mechanisms of lytic granule exocytosis in cytotoxic T-cells, with focus on understanding how membrane fusion is regulated through the interaction of SNARE (Soluble NSF Attachment Protein Receptor) proteins, MUNC13-4, and MUNC18-2 proteins. The research employs novel liposome-based fusion assays to examine how lipid-anchored syntaxin-11 (STX11) undergoes conformational changes that facilitate membrane merging, with implications for understanding immunodeficiency disorders and other diseases stemming from dysregulated membrane fusion.

The project delivers basic scientific research outputs that advance understanding of cellular exocytosis mechanisms and protein interactions governing membrane fusion events. By using cytotoxic T-cell lytic granule release as a model system, the research provides insights applicable to diseases including diabetes, brain disorders, and immunodeficiency conditions. The award represents NIGMS's commitment to supporting investigator-initiated biomedical research that establishes foundational knowledge for future advances in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention across multiple biological disciplines.