Development of a synthetic human centromere
NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering
About This Grant
PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Human artificial chromosomes (HACs) are mini-chromosomes that can be stably inherited across many cellular generation. HACs are potentially powerful gene therapy vectors and extremely useful tools in biological research. The stability of HACs depends on the presence of a functional centromere. Centromeres are unique genomic loci that mediate the segregation of chromosomes during mitosis by forming kinetochores leading to microtubule attachment. These sites are specified by the incorporation of distinct nucleosomes in which histone H3 is replaced by CENP- A. Most centromeric nucleosomes are embedded in highly repetitive alpha-satellite DNA. The current versions of the HACs contain alpha-satellite centromeric DNA, are relatively inefficient and frequently recombine into the genome. Despite the presence of alpha-satellite DNA at centromeres, it is not absolutely required for centromere function. This is evidenced by the existence of neocentromeres in some people, and work from our lab and others that centromeres can be induced to form at non-centromeric sites. Deposition of centromeric nucleosomes is mediated by the CENP-A specific chaperone HJURP and the Mis18 complex. Previous work has shown that artificially targeting HJURP and Mis18 proteins to LacO arrays can create de novo centromeres at non-centromeric sites. This approach leads to the formation of a full centromere, recapitulating most of the characteristics of an endogenous centromere. Here we propose to develop a more versatile approach which can be re-programmed to target many different sequences. This powerful approach will provide new and exciting insight into the rules of centromere formation. The proposal will explore the practical application of de novo centromere formation in supporting the stability of human artificial chromosomes (HACs). We will test if these synthetic centromeres (SynCen) can lead to stable inheritance of a human artificial chromosome. More efficient stable non-repetitive synthetic centromere will greatly expand the potential use of HACs as gene therapy vectors.
Grant Summary
Development of a synthetic human centromere is a NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering grant providing up to $240K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2028-04-30 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
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How to Apply
Up to $240K
2028-04-30
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Development of a synthetic human centromere from NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering before the deadline.
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Development of a synthetic human centromere: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Development of a synthetic human centromere?
Development of a synthetic human centromere is offered by NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the Development of a synthetic human centromere provide?
Development of a synthetic human centromere provides up to $240K per award from NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the Development of a synthetic human centromere deadline?
Applications for Development of a synthetic human centromere are due 2028-04-30 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the Development of a synthetic human centromere?
To apply for Development of a synthetic human centromere, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering.