Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Texas at Dallas received a $435,875 Project Grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859), effective June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2031. This award funds fundamental biomedical research investigating how tissue-specific progenitor cell fate is regulated by mesenchymal progenitors and sympathetic neurons during adult tissue regeneration. The research employs the postnatal mouse mammary gland as a model system to elucidate niche cell-mediated modulation of progenitors and identify underlying molecular signals and mechanisms. The study will utilize in vivo genetic reporter, lineage tracing, and cell ablation mouse models combined with ex vivo organoid systems to advance understanding of stem cell and progenitor cell biology.

The project addresses fundamental gaps in knowledge regarding how diverse niche cells influence stem and progenitor cell populations, with implications for tissue regeneration, disease prevention, and malignancy treatment. By characterizing understudied niche player cells that permeate diverse somatic tissues, the research establishes foundational knowledge intended to support the development of progenitor-targeted therapies in regenerative medicine and oncology. Research will be conducted at the University of Texas at Dallas facility in Richardson, Texas.