Project Grant R01GM163327

The University of Delaware received a $1,355,976 Project Grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859), effective April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2030. This award supports fundamental biomedical research investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying ADAM (disintegrin metalloproteinase) and ephrin interactions in cell signaling and adhesion. The research specifically focuses on understanding how ADAM proteases cleave ephrin B ligands in response to ephrin receptor binding and the downstream effects of this proteolysis on cell signaling and adhesion processes.

The project delivers investigator-initiated basic research that addresses gaps in understanding ephrin B shedding mechanisms and uncovers novel signaling pathway interactions between ADAMs, ephrins, and beta-catenin signaling. The research produces molecular tools including newly characterized ADAM cleavage sites and engineered uncleavable ephrin B mutants, along with scientific findings that advance fundamental knowledge of ephrin-mediated signaling in neuronal and other tissues. Upon completion, the project is expected to contribute to understanding of disease mechanisms associated with ephrin-EPH interaction disruption, including developmental defects, autoimmunity, tumors, and neurological disorders, thereby laying groundwork for future diagnostic and therapeutic development.