Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Tennessee received a $413,069 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 February 28, 2031. This award supports fundamental biomedical research investigating the spatial regulation of plasma membrane signaling in immune cells, specifically focusing on how T cell receptor (TCR) signaling complexes are assembled and regulated within heterogeneous membrane microenvironments. The research employs super-resolution localization microscopy (SMLM) to visualize and quantitatively measure the organization of signaling molecules and receptors at sub-micron length scales—dimensions previously inaccessible to conventional microscopy techniques.

The project deliverables include advanced fluorescence imaging studies and mechanistic insights into receptor triggering and microcluster assembly during immune cell activation. Research findings will contribute to fundamental understanding of signal transduction processes and may inform approaches to address defects in immune signaling associated with autoimmune disease and immunodeficiency. The research will be conducted at the University of Tennessee's facility in Knoxville, Tennessee, with performance spanning the five-year award period.