Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Florida received a $383,750 Project Grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859), effective April 1, 2026, through January 31, 2031. This award supports a multi-project research initiative investigating post-translational modifications (PTMs) and their coordinated mechanisms in regulating microbial stress responses using the archaeon Haloferax volcanii as a model system. The research focuses on three integrated projects: (1) elucidating PTM-mediated regulation of protein-protein interactions and liquid-liquid phase separation in DNA repair nucleases; (2) characterizing proteasome assembly chaperones and their roles in proteasome assembly and activity; and (3) advancing understanding of SIR2-type sirtuins and lysine acetylation pathways. These investigations aim to bridge critical knowledge gaps regarding how ubiquitin-like and proteasome systems interact with lysine acetylation to regulate DNA replication and repair, protein homeostasis, and cellular efficiency.

The research is conducted at the University of Florida's Division of Sponsored Research in Gainesville, Florida. The award advances the National Institute of General Medical Sciences' mission to support fundamental basic research that increases understanding of biological processes and provides foundations for advances in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. By studying PTM systems in archaea—organisms that share evolutionary connections with eukaryotes and survive extreme environmental conditions—this research generates insights applicable to broader biomedical understanding and potential therapeutic development strategies.