Infrastructure Improvement 2007 - 2010, $9 million

In 2007 Nebraska EPSCoR received a three-year Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII) grant, #0701892, from the National Science Foundation to continue development of research and education infrastructure. Dr. F. Fred Choobineh, P.E., Director of Nebraska EPSCoR was the Project Director. The grant included cooperation and collaboration among Creighton University (CU), the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC).

Grant funds supported the pursuit of deeper understanding of the global gene regulatory processes that define a species, its variegated cell types, and its inherent responses to environmental stimuli. Chromatin is a dynamic complex of DNA, RNA, and protein in the nuclei of eukaryotic cells. Fundamental questions regarding the role of chromatin in defining gene expression networks, and the direct modulation of these processes by cellular factors, represent key unknowns of complex biological systems. This RII supported unification of biological sciences and engineering expertise under one umbrella, creating a strategic research niche and opportunities for major contributions to Epigenetics research (the study of heritable changes in gene functions not associated with changes in DNA sequence).

According to chromatin area coordinator Dr. Sally Mackenzie, the research improved understanding of "the cellular context in which genes are expressed. We understand how individual genes might influence particular features, such as eye color or predisposition to disease, but we don't fully understand how suites of genes are coordinated to influence processes of development or an organisms response to its environment. Understanding these complex genetic processes could help us, for example, to enhance a plant's ability to adapt to environmental changes or to influence an animal's aging process."

"The project's engineering aspects are focused on understanding the force-displacement behavior of plant cell walls to design a nanodevice that can insert short strings of RNA into a plant cell in a reliable manner. We need a clear understanding of the penetration process, the development of new methods of insertion via nanofiber manufacturing, and integration of the two for building functioning nanodevices," said bioengineering area coordinator Dr. Joseph A. Turner. This grant broadened and strengthened science education and outreach as well as faculty development, economic development and technology transfer.