The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology has secured approximately $15.7 million in state and federal grants over the next five years to advance research in critical areas such as neuroscience, immunology, virology, and oncology.
In neuroscience, Dr. Ezgi Hacisuleyman received $2.3 million to investigate how neurons change their structure and function in response to stimuli. Her research utilizes advanced imaging and molecular labeling techniques to study RNA and protein synthesis in neuronal plasticity, which is fundamental to understanding neurological disorders. This work explores the transport and local production of RNA molecules in neurons, potentially offering new treatment avenues for conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Dr. Mauricio Martins was awarded over $6 million for his pioneering gene therapy research aimed at preventing HIV transmission in infants. His approach uses adeno-associated virus vectors to deliver genes for broadly neutralizing antibodies, providing a potential solution for mother-to-child transmission, particularly in areas with limited access to antiretroviral drugs. A key finding is that in utero exposure to these antibodies can induce immune tolerance, preventing the body from rejecting the therapy, which could also impact treatments for autoimmune diseases and organ transplantation.
Drs. Michalina Janiszewska and Matthew Disney are using a $300,000 state grant to develop novel therapies for glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor. Their research targets hypoxia-inducible factors, specifically HIF2-alpha, which helps tumors survive in low-oxygen environments and resist treatment. By designing small molecules to inhibit messenger RNAs involved in the hypoxia response, they aim to modulate pathological pathways, with potential applications beyond glioblastoma to other cancers.
Dr. Susana Valente's laboratory secured $4.8 million to develop innovative HIV inhibitors that target the viral protein Tat. Tat is essential for HIV gene transcription, and Valente's team aims to degrade it using the cell's own ubiquitin-proteasome system to halt viral production. This strategy represents a significant shift in HIV treatment, potentially leading to treatment-free remission and reducing the need for lifelong medication. This research builds upon earlier work that identified cortistatin A as a potent inhibitor of Tat activity.
These collective initiatives highlight The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute's commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and translational research. Established in partnership with Scripps Research and integrated into the University of Florida in 2022, the institute fosters an environment conducive to both fundamental science and drug discovery. This funding reinforces the institute's capacity to translate discoveries into tangible treatments for challenging diseases, contributing to the University of Florida's research spending milestone.