Federal Grant Award Summary

Cornell University's Office of Sponsored Programs received a $258,713 Project Grant 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. The award supports investigator-initiated basic research to advance understanding of phospholipid homeostasis in eukaryotic cells. The research project, conducted at Cornell's Ithaca, NY campus, focuses on elucidating the mechanisms by which cells regulate biosynthesis and selective transport of phospholipids to establish and maintain proper lipid composition across organelle membranes.

The funded research addresses fundamental gaps in understanding how eukaryotic cells sense, synthesize, and transport the hundreds of lipid species that comprise cellular membranes. With particular emphasis on phosphatidic acid as a model phospholipid, the research will generate scientific knowledge regarding membrane lipid metabolism and transport mechanisms—outcomes with potential implications for understanding disease-associated mutations that impair lipid-modifying enzyme and transporter function. This basic research contribution aligns with NIGMS's mission to support meritorious investigations that increase biological understanding and lay the foundation for advances in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.