Project Examples
Western Carolina University
Use of Genetic Markers and Chemical Quantification to Identify Populations of Actaea racemosa (Black Cohosh) with Desirable Properties for Breeding a Regional Cultivar
Black cohosh, a native medicinal herb, is at risk of over-harvest. Using wild-collected samples, the researchers will identify populations with superior levels of biologically active compounds and best growth characteristics for western NC through phytochemical analyses, genetic marker determination, and propagation studies to begin breeding a new cultivar for this region.
Duke University
Hyaluronic Acid for Cartilage Tissue Engineering
In this project, a diverse team of scientists will use a new combination of mathematical algorithms, chemical synthesis, and bioengineering to optimize polymer platforms so that they can be used to efficiently transform human mesenchymal stem cells into new cartilage tissue for the treatment of cartilage damage.
North Carolina State University
Novel Peptide Intervention Targets a Critical Host-retrovirus Molecular Interaction
Some 30 million people are living with human immunodeficiency virus, HIV. Antiretroviral resistance has developed in the presence of the selective pressure of drug exposure. Vaccine development has been problematic. The NCSU researchers will explore a novel target of intervention and develop small proteins (peptides) as tools and putative therapeutics.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Identification, Isolation, Molecular Phenotyping and Propagation of Intestinal Stem Cells (ISC) as Model Systems for Tissue Regeneration and Drug Discovery
Adult intestinal stem cells (ISC) constantly renew the intestinal epithelium and regenerate tissue after radiation or chemotheraphy. The research team will explore a new model system for studying gastrointestinal stem cells. Fluorescent reporters will be used to track normal and regenerating ISC after radiation and isolate pure ISC to define their molecular phenotype. Purified ISC cultures will be developed for drug discovery and transplantation.
Western Carolina University and UNC Charlotte
Forensic Whole Genome Mitochondrial DNA Analysis
Researchers at Western Carolina University and UNC Charlotte will explore new technologies that can expand the amount of genetic information that can be obtained from low-level forensic DNA samples, such as hairs and bones.