Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Chicago received a $444,788 Project Grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859), effective May 1, 2026 through February 28, 2031. This five-year research project focuses on deciphering piRNA (Piwi-interacting RNA)-based immunity mechanisms in germ cells, with particular emphasis on understanding how germ cells distinguish self from non-self RNA to maintain genome integrity across generations. The research centers on small RNA pathways and germ granules in the C. elegans germline, which protect the genome from transposons and inappropriate gene silencing while preserving fertility and proper development.

The project will deliver fundamental research findings on how intrinsic RNA features and associated proteins direct regulatory outcomes through either protective licensing or silencing pathways. Utilizing advanced methodologies including live-cell imaging, proximity labeling, CRISPR-based reporters, and inducible perturbation systems, the research team will elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing germ granule spatial organization and subcellular compartmentalization. Key deliverables include insights into how condensate interfaces regulate RNA flow and protein sorting, innovative synthetic piRNA systems and fluorescent reporters for dissecting small RNA activity, and mechanistic understanding of how licensing pathways restrict RNA access to piRNA silencing domains—all contributing to foundational knowledge in cellular biology and genome protection mechanisms.