Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Michigan received a $425,916 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 March 31, 2031. This five-year research initiative investigates the mechanisms by which cells maintain, repair, and remove damaged lysosomes—critical cellular organelles responsible for catabolism and metabolic regulation. The research employs cell-biological, biochemical, and biophysical approaches to examine how Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport (ESCRT) machinery coordinates membrane remodeling, lipid delivery, and cholesterol management to preserve lysosomal integrity under stress conditions.

The project deliverables include fundamental scientific discoveries regarding how individual ESCRT machinery components contribute to lysosomal resilience and repair, coupled with an integrated understanding of cellular recognition mechanisms for removing irreparably damaged lysosomes. Research will be conducted at the University of Michigan's Ann Arbor campus and will integrate findings from discrete stress response studies into a comprehensive framework of lysosomal membrane homeostasis. The outputs are expected to advance understanding of cellular defensive mechanisms and establish foundational knowledge applicable to disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention across multiple biological and medical disciplines.