Expanding Excellence in Developmental Biology in Oklahoma

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ABSTRACT OVERALL Developmental Biology research is fundamental to progress in determining the molecular basis of many diseases, as well as for the rapidly emerging field of regenerative medicine. During COBRE Phases I and II, we welcomed 12 new investigators, many of whom use model organisms (planarians, Drosophila, zebrafish, and C. elegans) whose genomes can be efficiently manipulated to understand fundamental physiological processes that are conserved among species. In some cases, functional genomic approaches were used to model human mutations to understand the basis of devastating inherited diseases. All our Project Leads were rigorously trained in Developmental Biology, published in top tier journals, and showed exceptional promise. Their appointments were deliberately divided among four of OMRF’s Research Programs (equivalent to academic departments) to encourage cross-fertilization and attract established investigators to the field. We now have a critical mass of Developmental Biologists that includes COBRE-supported investigators as well as more established faculty. During Phases I and II we also established and expanded Cores that provide essential services to Developmental Biologists: an Imaging Core and a Bioinformatics and Pathways Core. Our goals in Phase III are to consolidate the progress we have made in Phases I and II by welcoming new Developmental Biologists into our community through the support of Pilot Projects and to expand the services offered by our Cores, while at the same time positioning them for sustainability when COBRE funding ends. We will accomplish our goals through the following Specific Aims. Aim 1. To expand the breadth of our research program in Developmental Biology through the choice of Pilot Project Investigators with outstanding potential to become leaders in their fields. Aim 2. To mentor the Pilot Project Investigators using a combination of senior scientists and recently graduated COBRE Project Leads within existing OMRF and University of Oklahoma faculty. Aim 3. To form an External Advisory Committee of internationally recognized Developmental Biologists to evaluate the progress of, and offer advice to, the Pilot Project Investigators and Core Directors. Aim 4. To expand the capabilities of the Core facilities so they are well-positioned to support the research of both current and future Developmental Biologists (including current Pilot Project Investigators) and lay the groundwork for sustainable operation after COBRE funding ends. Aim 5. To promote scientific interactions among the Pilot Project Investigators and former Project Leads to create an environment conducive to investigator retention.