# Advancing Genomic Technologies to Combat Infectious Disease: Mapping Dynamics within Single Cells, Individual Hosts, and Global Populations

> **NIH NIH U19** · BROAD INSTITUTE, INC. · 2021 · $396,639

## Abstract

Despite the devastating global human toll of infectious diseases, we lack fundamental knowledge about the
viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites and insect vectors that cause and spread disease. This ignorance leaves us
with very few opportunities to intervene in the cycle of infection and transmission, especially in the face of the
emergence of new infectious diseases and the rapid rise in drug resistance. Our Genomic Center for Infectious
Disease (GCID) develops and applies cutting-edge genomic technologies to address fundamental gaps in our
knowledge of the basic biology that underlies the interactions between hosts, pathogens, and vectors. Our
GCID is comprised of highly experienced managers with a history of working together effectively to develop
and apply innovative genomic approaches. Our GCID employs industrial practices and management systems
in directing the world-leading facilities of our Technology, Data and Administrative Cores. Outstanding
scientists lead our four Research Projects, devoted to viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases and
vectors that transmit them. Our collective work will target high priority pathogens and pathogen-host-vector
systems that have a major impact on the global burden of disease. Each Research Project leverages our
expertise in genomics, technology development, bioinformatics and computational biology, and with
collaborating researchers and clinicians applies them to thoughtfully acquired samples and proven model
systems. Moreover, the laboratory and analytical methods we develop will have broad applicability to other
pathogen-host systems. Our Research Projects benefit from synergies arising from their shared space,
approaches and tools, and together they will pursue three long-range, cross-cutting objectives: 1) Explore the
genomic epidemiology of pathogens and vectors at individual and population scales; 2) Understand
interactions among vertebrate hosts, pathogens, and arthropod vectors using genomic and transcriptomic
approaches; and, 3) Define the functional basis of virulence, immunity, and the functional consequences of
metagenomic diversity. By applying powerful new genomic technologies to probe host and pathogen
contributions to infection processes we will obtain crucial knowledge, and open new avenues for tracking,
preventing and managing infectious diseases. We will produce and disseminate data, methodologies, and
expertise, broaden participation in genomic research into infectious disease, and generate data and knowledge
that will enable a wide community to benefit from our expertise, and, ultimately improve global public health.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10470461
- **Project number:** 3U19AI110818-08S2
- **Recipient organization:** BROAD INSTITUTE, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Bruce W. BIRREN
- **Activity code:** U19 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $396,639
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2014-04-10 → 2023-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10470461

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10470461, Advancing Genomic Technologies to Combat Infectious Disease: Mapping Dynamics within Single Cells, Individual Hosts, and Global Populations (3U19AI110818-08S2). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10470461. Licensed CC0.

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