# Nebraska Research Network in Functional Genomics

> **NIH NIH P20** · UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER · 2024 · $958,437

## Abstract

Project Summary
This application is from the Nebraska Research Network in Functional Genomics (NE-INBRE) in response to
NOT-GM-24-001 regarding the availability of administrative supplements to IDeA Awards to Fund Team Science
Development Projects. We have assembled a team of four Nebraska investigators with diverse and
complementary backgrounds and expertise who will use cutting edge bioinformatic and human organoid
approaches to investigate the molecular mechanisms regulating human hematopoiesis and bone related
disease. Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) are governed by numerous positive and negative feedback signals
within the bone marrow niche. The crosstalk between HSCs and cells in the microenvironment is critical for
efficient production of blood cells and when it is perturbed, as with diseases like cancer, it can have serious
consequences. However, the molecular mechanism regulating this interaction are not well understood and are
difficult to model ex vivo. This project will combine expertise in hematopoiesis and bone marrow biology
with state-of-the-art human bone marrow organoids and cutting edge genomic and bioinformatic
analysis with a team science approach to address one of the main themes of the NE-INBRE.
Goals of the Parent Award: The Nebraska Research Network in Functional Genomics (NE-INBRE) is aimed at
developing the biomedical research capacity at institutions of higher education in Nebraska. The NE-INBRE is
structured around two major components: Primary Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs) and PhD granting Research
Institutions (RIs). Support for each PUI consists of: 1) campus research capacity development through support
for faculty research and infrastructure enhancement, and 2) development of the undergraduate research pipeline
of students through the NE-INBRE Scholars Program. Two features are associated with expanding research
capacity at the RIs: 1) Providing significant support to multi-user core facilities in order to allow investigators from
PUIs and RIs access to cutting-edge technology, and 2) providing support in the form of first-year graduate
assistantships for NE-INBRE scholars who matriculate into PhD programs at the RI campuses. The three
participating RIs in the research network include two campuses of the University of Nebraska system and one
privately supported medical center. Cutting edge multi-user core facilities include cores in genomics,
bioinformatics, and imaging. The three themes reflect the scientific foci of the NE-INBRE: cancer, cell signaling,
and infectious disease. These themes serve to link faculty and students at the separate institutions into
productive networks based on their areas of expertise and interest.
Research Question to be addressed in the Supplement Proposal: Until recently, the major limitation in
dissecting the complex interactions between the HSCs and the microenvironment has been the lack of suitable
models. Traditional ex vivo co-culturing approaches do not replicate the compl...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11047341
- **Project number:** 3P20GM103427-23S2
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** PAUL L SORGEN
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $958,437
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2001-09-30 → 2026-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11047341

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11047341, Nebraska Research Network in Functional Genomics (3P20GM103427-23S2). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11047341. Licensed CC0.

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