# Molecular Analysis of Microbial Pathogens

> **NIH NIH T32** · TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON · 2022 · $242,711

## Abstract

This application requests support for continuation of a rigorous predoctoral Training Program that
focuses on the molecular analysis of microbial pathogens. Experimental research training is the primary
focus of this Program. A key and complementary component of the Training Plan is the requirement for
Ph.D. students to have exposure to problems in clinical medicine through participation in an intensive
summer course in infectious diseases that involves clinical rounds. The training program is designed to
provide students with the tools to become independent research scientists in academia or industry while in
parallel providing a deep understanding of current problems in clinical infectious diseases as well as training
in the important principles of reproducibility and rigor.
 The Training Program is a track within the interdepartmental Graduate Program in Molecular
Microbiology and draws faculty members from the Departments of Molecular Biology and Microbiology,
Immunology, Chemistry and Developmental, Molecular & Chemical Biology. All investigators have a
common interest in pathogenic microorganisms or their restriction. The varied research interests of the
group include: a) bacterial pathogenesis, including the study of colonization, intracellular growth and
development of tools to study microbial genes expressed during animal infections; b) viral pathogenesis and
replication; c) viral persistence and oncogenesis; d) viral gene expression; e) structure and function of viral
entry proteins; f) pathogen evolution during disease; g) antimicrobial resistance; h) development of novel
anti-parasitic and anti-fungal strategies; i) protein secretion and the analysis of yeast, parasite and bacterial
surfaces; and j) global regulation of gene expression and cell growth in microbial model systems; k) mouse
models of innate immunity; and l) microbial interaction with effectors of acquired immunity. The members of
this Program use genetic, cell biological, biophysical and biochemical strategies to analyze microbial
pathogens, as well as animal infection models. This Training Program has a long history of having a strong
collaborative spirit of learning and research among faculty and students. Recruitment and admission
strategies have been highly successful, with an excellent minority recruitment program. The overwhelming
majority of Ph.D. graduates supported by this Training Program are currently employed in research
positions in academics and industry.
 The Program is overseen by the Training Committee, a group of internationally recognized scientists
who participate in the graduate education of all trainees that is subject to external review as well as
oversight by a committee that focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion. The application is for five years of
support for 5 predoctoral trainee positions per year. Trainees are chosen by a rigorous selection process
and are supported, on average, for 2 years, beginning in their second or third year of gr...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10495512
- **Project number:** 2T32AI007422-31
- **Recipient organization:** TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON
- **Principal Investigator:** Ralph R. Isberg
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $242,711
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1992-09-30 → 2027-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10495512

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10495512, Molecular Analysis of Microbial Pathogens (2T32AI007422-31). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10495512. Licensed CC0.

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