RII: Nano-Enhanced Epigenetics Research (NE^2R) in Nebraska

内布拉斯加州EPSCoR研究基础设施改善项目建立在该州在工程和生物科学方面的优势，并建立了一个以实力为基础的纳米增强表观遗传学研究(NE2R)跨学科中心。表观遗传学是研究与DNA序列变化无关的基因功能的可遗传变化。该中心的中心主题是加强对染色质及其结构如何影响生物体内全球基因表达模式的理解，以及这一过程是否可以直接和实时地受到影响。NE2R中心的三个具体“研究目标”是：(1)染色质表达网络-调查染色质修饰和重塑对动植物全球基因表达模式的关系。这项研究的重点是如何以一种协调的方式共同调节整个基因复合体。其目的是提高对有机体在整个基因库必须协调时是如何发育的，以及当有机体面临病原体攻击或环境压力时会发生什么的理解。(2)染色质结构分析--重点了解染色质及其相关蛋白质的结构特征。这项研究探索了染色质组织在衰老过程中的变化，特别是在哺乳动物中。(3)有针对性的细胞内染色质操作--专注于了解植物细胞壁的物理特性，开发用于细胞内传递的纳米设备，并测试在动物和植物系统中细胞内传递的实验方法。这项研究探讨了使用新兴的纳米技术促进细胞生物学研究的可行性，以将生物分子输送到活细胞中。NE2R中心整合了内布拉斯加州大学林肯分校、内布拉斯加州大学医学中心和克雷顿大学的动植物生物学家、计算生物学家和工程师的研究成果。这项研究有望带来对生物过程的新见解，了解可再生细胞的恢复，并开发新的技术和设备。内布拉斯加州EPSCoR计划的广泛影响是广泛的。该中心为国家和私营部门最近对不断增长的生物科学部门的投资增加了重大价值，为影响农业、医药和技术的科学突破创造了机会。东北地区第二期项目在促进参与大学和私营企业之间强有力的多机构和跨学科合作方面也产生了重大影响。全州范围的扩大参与联盟(BPA)计划通过吸引所有年龄段的学生参与生命科学、生物工程和其他与STEM相关的活动来培养下一代STEM专业人员。本科生和研究生的研究机会被很好地纳入了研究计划。一些活动(内布拉斯加州青年科学家倡议、少数群体机会组合方案)特别侧重于增加代表性不足群体成员的参与。部落学院的教师发展计划为这些机构的教师提供研究机会；其他计划为小型地区性学院和大学的教师提供类似的机会。小祭司部落学院正在开发一门生物科学课程，以供其他部落学院使用。面向农村初中和高中教师和学生的外联活动增进了他们对生物科学的了解，并提供了在学校和大学亲身体验实验室的机会。

Nebraska EPSCoR research infrastructure improvement project builds on the State's strengths in engineering and biosciences, and establishes a strength-based interdisciplinary Center for Nano-Enhanced Epigenetics Research (NE2R). Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene functions not associated with changes in DNA sequences. The central theme of the Center is to enhance the understanding of how chromatin and its structure influence global gene expression patterns within an organism and whether the process can be influenced directly and in real time. Three specific "research aims" for the NE2R Center are: (1) Chromatin Expression Networks - investigates the relationship of chromatin modification and remodeling on global gene expression patterns in plants and animals. This research focuses on how entire complexes of genes can be co-regulated in a coordinated manner. The intent is to improve understanding of how an organism develops when entire repertoires of genes must be coordinated, and what happens when an organism faces a pathogen attack or environmental stress. (2) Chromatin Structural Analysis - focuses on understanding structural features of chromatin and its associated proteins. This research explores how chromatin organization changes during the aging process, particularly in mammals. (3) Targeted Intra-Cellular Chromatin Manipulation - focuses on learning about physical properties of the plant cell wall, developing nano-devices for intracellular delivery, and testing experimental approaches of intracellular delivery in both animal and plant systems. This research investigates the feasibility of using emerging nanotechnology to facilitate cell biology studies for delivery of biomolecules into live cells. The NE2R Center integrates research efforts of plant and animal biologists, computational biologists, and engineers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and Creighton University. The research is expected to lead to new insights into biological processes, understanding the recovery of regenerable cells and development of novel techniques and devices. The broader impacts of the Nebraska EPSCoR plan are extensive. The Center adds significant value to recent State and private sector investments in a growing biosciences sector, generating opportunities for scientific breakthroughs impacting agriculture, medicine and technology. The NE RII project also has a significant impact in fostering strong multi-institutional and interdisciplinary collaborations among participating universities and with private industry. Statewide Broadening Participation Alliance (BPA) programs develop the next generation of STEM professionals by engaging students of all ages in life science, bioengineering and other STEM-related activities. Undergraduate and graduate research opportunities are well integrated into the research plan. A number of activities (Young Nebraska Scientist Initiative, Minority Opportunity Portfolio programs) specifically focus on increasing participation of members of underrepresented groups. The Faculty Development of Tribal Colleges program provides research opportunities to faculty at these institutions; additional programs afford similar opportunities to faculty at small, regional colleges and universities. A bioscience curriculum is being developed at Little Priest Tribal College for possible use by other Tribal Colleges. Outreach to rural middle and high school teachers and students enhance their bioscience understanding and provide opportunities for hands-on laboratory experiences in schools and at the universities.