Federal Grant Award Summary

Michigan State University received a $294,266 Project Grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859), effective August 1, 2026 through May 31, 2030. The award supports the development of mathematical and computational models to reconstruct high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) spatial genome architectures across diverse biological contexts, including different cell types, genotypes, and species. This research addresses a critical gap in genome analysis by moving beyond one-dimensional or two-dimensional approaches to characterize context-specific 3D genome structures with high resolution, which is essential for understanding how DNA folding orchestrates molecular biology and genetic processes.

The project delivers advanced computational methodologies that will enable direct reconstruction of spatial genome structures in 3D space while managing the technical challenges inherent in Hi-C data profiling—particularly the high rates of missing data that complicate analysis across multiple biological contexts. The work is performed at Michigan State University's location in East Lansing, Michigan, and contributes to NIGMS's mission of supporting basic research that increases understanding of biological processes and provides foundational knowledge for advances in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.