This is a resubmission of a competing renewal for a highly successful training program in transplantation immunology and stem cell biology. Over the past 11 years, a dynamic group of internationally recognized investigators in transplantation and stem cell biology were strategically recruited to the University of Louisville which is increasingly recognized for its comprehensive translational research in composite tissue allotransplantation, tolerance, and stem cell-mediated regenerative medicine. This training program directly addresses the mission of the NIH training grant program to help ensure that a diverse and highly trained workforce is available to assume leadership roles related to the nation's biomedical research agenda. All positions have been filled with outstanding applicants to date including six women (one minority), thereby addressing the major concern of all three reviewers. Applicants must have a Ph.D., D.V.M., or M.D. They are required to submit a CV, publication list, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of the specific research proposed. An Executive Training Committee comprised of the program Director and senior trainers selects the trainees. Trainees assemble a program and undertake basic research with one trainer and one or more co-mentors. Evaluation of the Training Program occurs on several levels, including manuscript and abstract submissions;oral presentations and participation at research seminar series;and completion and submission of an NRSA postdoctoral individual training grant or equivalent (AHA, JDRF, ASH, or other foundation or society fellowships) within the second year of training. The overall progress of this Training Program is assessed by an External Advisory Board through semiannual meetings and feedback. The External Advisory Board also assists in minority recruitment. The faculty in this training program has the expertise and breadth of background to successfully train fellows in well-equipped, centrally-located laboratories, it is our goal that our trainees will be qualified to assume leadership positions related to transplantation and stem cell biology in industry, academia, and biotechnology. Our established track record demonstrates that we are well on our way to achieving this goal.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Institutional National Research Service Award (T32)
Project #
5T32HL076138-08
Application #
8111096
Study Section
NHLBI Institutional Training Mechanism Review Committee (NITM)
Program Officer
Chang, Henry
Project Start
2004-04-01
Project End
2014-07-31
Budget Start
2011-08-01
Budget End
2012-07-31
Support Year
8
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$531,030
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Louisville
Department
Surgery
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
057588857
City
Louisville
State
KY
Country
United States
Zip Code
40292
Woodward, Kyle B; Wang, Feng; Zhao, Hong et al. (2016) Novel technologies to engineer graft for tolerance induction. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 21:74-80
Fransen, James W; Pangeni, Gobinda; Pyle, Ian S et al. (2015) Functional changes in Tg P23H-1 rat retinal responses: differences between ON and OFF pathway transmission to the superior colliculus. J Neurophysiol 114:2368-75
Fernandez de Castro, Juan P; Scott, Patrick A; Fransen, James W et al. (2014) Cone photoreceptors develop normally in the absence of functional rod photoreceptors in a transgenic swine model of retinitis pigmentosa. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 55:2460-8
Fransen, James W; Pangeni, Gobinda; Pardue, Machelle T et al. (2014) Local signaling from a retinal prosthetic in a rodent retinitis pigmentosa model in vivo. J Neural Eng 11:046012
Light, Jacob G; Fransen, James W; Adekunle, Adewumi N et al. (2014) Inner retinal preservation in rat models of retinal degeneration implanted with subretinal photovoltaic arrays. Exp Eye Res 128:34-42
Scott, Patrick A; Fernandez de Castro, Juan P; Kaplan, Henry J et al. (2014) A Pro23His mutation alters prenatal rod photoreceptor morphology in a transgenic swine model of retinitis pigmentosa. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 55:2452-9
Yolcu, E S; Zhao, H; Shirwan, H (2013) Immunomodulation with SA-FasL protein as an effective means of preventing islet allograft rejection in chemically diabetic NOD mice. Transplant Proc 45:1889-91
Zhao, H; Woodward, K B; Shirwan, H et al. (2013) Posttransplantation systemic immunomodulation with SA-FasL-engineered donor splenocytes has robust efficacy in preventing cardiac allograft rejection in mice. Transplant Proc 45:1805-7
Ross, Jason W; Fernandez de Castro, Juan P; Zhao, Jianguo et al. (2012) Generation of an inbred miniature pig model of retinitis pigmentosa. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 53:501-7
Zheng, Shirong; Huang, Yun; Yang, Lu et al. (2011) Uninephrectomy of diabetic OVE26 mice greatly accelerates albuminuria, fibrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration and changes in gene expression. Nephron Exp Nephrol 119:e21-32

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