This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. The theme of the College of Charleston proposal is 'Molecular Models and Chemical Approaches to Disease Processes.' The proposal focuses support on 5 junior faculty members from two departments, Biology and Chemistry/Biochemistry, who have the clear potential for independent funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Ayme-Southgate's research focuses on understanding muscle assembly and function. Dr. Korey's research focuses on the elucidation of the membrane trafficking and signaling pathways involved in neuronal cell death associated with a set of complex of human neurological diseases, the Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses. Dr. Meyer-Bernstein's research focuses on understanding how the biological clock regulates the timing of behavioral and biological processes at the molecular level with the goal of developing a model of the photosensitivity rhythm in the retina. All three of these investigators are using Drosphila menalogaster as a model system. Dr. Wyatt's research proposes to develop synthesis protocols for two newly-discovered antibiotics which could be important in combatting antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. Dr. Riggs-Gelasco's work is aimed at the determination of structures of reactive enzyme intermediates in metalloproteins which could be important in elucidating mechanism-based inhibitors for proteins implicated in human disease. Each of these investigators will mentor undergraduates over the course of their research. This kind of direct involvment in research has been shown to be of great importance in encouraging students to go on to graduate school in the biomedical sciences. The College of Charleston will provide significant additional financial support over and above the requested amount to purchase three key pieces of instrumentation, provide for additional dedicated time for research and for supplies and investigator travel, and to support additional student research. Each investigator will be required to develop a career plan that has as a key milestone the submission of an NIH grant. Senior faculty from the Medical University of South Carolina and other institutions will serve as mentors for these investigators. The goal of this effort is to develop a self-sustaining capability for garnering independent support from NIH and to raise the competitive status of the College in biomedical research.
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