Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center received a $488,525 Project Grant award from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859), effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2031. This award supports investigator-initiated research focused on evolution-guided studies of mitochondrial activities and host immune responses to infectious agents. The project delivers fundamental basic research investigating how pathogens circumvent mitochondrial functions, characterizing previously unidentified mitochondrial determinants of host defense, and developing novel tools and mouse models to monitor metabolic reprogramming during immune responses. The research integrates experimental and evolutionary frameworks to elucidate new dimensions of mitochondrial biology, including the role of mitochondria in viral release, metabolic contributions to immune signaling, and the functional relevance of host metabolic changes during infection.

The award supports development of innovative research methodologies, including novel cell culture systems and in vivo monitoring tools, alongside mechanistic studies using established infection models. By advancing understanding of mitochondrial proteome function under stress conditions and host response regulation, this research establishes foundational knowledge applicable to improving infection outcomes and addressing dysregulated inflammatory responses characteristic of multiple disease states. Research will be conducted at UT Southwestern's Dallas, Texas facility.