| NSF Org: |
IOS Division Of Integrative Organismal Systems |
| Recipient: |
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| Initial Amendment Date: | March 23, 2023 |
| Latest Amendment Date: | August 7, 2023 |
| Award Number: | 2324639 |
| Award Instrument: | Continuing Grant |
| Program Manager: |
Manju Hingorani
mhingora@nsf.gov (703)292-7323 IOS Division Of Integrative Organismal Systems BIO Directorate for Biological Sciences |
| Start Date: | May 15, 2023 |
| End Date: | July 31, 2026 (Estimated) |
| Total Intended Award Amount: | $1,100,000.00 |
| Total Awarded Amount to Date: | $1,100,000.00 |
| Funds Obligated to Date: |
FY 2023 = $825,000.00 |
| History of Investigator: |
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| Recipient Sponsored Research Office: |
121 UNIVERSITY HALL COLUMBIA MO US 65211-3020 (573)882-7560 |
| Sponsor Congressional District: |
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| Primary Place of Performance: |
121 UNIVERSITY HALL COLUMBIA MO US 65211-3020 |
| Primary Place of
Performance Congressional District: |
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| Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): |
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| Parent UEI: |
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| NSF Program(s): | EDGE Tools |
| Primary Program Source: |
01002324DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT |
| Program Reference Code(s): |
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| Program Element Code(s): |
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| Award Agency Code: | 4900 |
| Fund Agency Code: | 4900 |
| Assistance Listing Number(s): | 47.074 |
ABSTRACT
Mutating the DNA sequences of genes of interest is a valuable approach for understanding their biological functions in diverse organisms. In contrast to established model systems, large collections of gene knock-out mutants are not widely available in emerging model organisms. This limitation greatly diminishes the power of emerging model systems for making novel scientific discoveries. To address the issue, this project will develop a large collection of gene knock-out mutants using CRISPR gene editing in three species of the freshwater microcrustacean Daphnia (D. magna, D. pulex, and D. pulicaria), which is an emerging model system in ecological genomics, evolutionary genomics, and environmental genomics. The Daphnia knock-out mutants will provide unprecedented opportunities for the scientific community to characterize the biological functions of the genes. The project will also disseminate technical expertise for CRISPR gene editing in Daphnia through free workshops, targeting biologists at different career stages including undergraduates, graduates, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty. Furthermore, the project will develop an innovative genomics curriculum to enable hands-on research in the classroom and enhance the education experience of diverse undergraduate students.
The plan is to knock out genes in Daphnia, including many candidate genes that may play critical roles in acclimation, adaptation, and evolution of these species. Individual knock-out mutant lines will be generated, maintained in the laboratory, and freely shared with the research community. Each mutant line will be whole-genome sequenced to characterize its genomic background. In collaboration with the global Daphnia research community, this project will evaluate the functional changes in knock-out mutants at both genomic and organism levels to validate the role of the genes in various environmental settings and to infer gene interaction and gene regulation networks. Lastly, a free, public-facing database will be developed to host the genomic and phenotypic data of the mutant lines, to promote and manage the distribution of Daphnia mutants, and to distribute experimental protocols and reagents.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Please report errors in award information by writing to: awardsearch@nsf.gov.
