# LTREB: The Multicellularity Long Term Evolution Experiment (MuLTEE)

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Georgia Tech Research Corporation (GA) · $596,940

## Abstract

The origin of multicellular life stands among the most significant evolutionary innovations in Earth's history, enabling the emergence of complex organisms and ecological relationships that transformed our planet's biosphere. While there has been progress in understanding this important biological transition that occurred millions of years ago, the exact processes that allowed single cells to aggregate into complex organisms composed by different cell types and differentiated tissues (as seen in most plants and animals), remain unclear. Becoming multicellular brings a series of new challenges, for example reduced nutrient accessibility to individual cells that can easily lead to cell death and the need for fundamental tasks to be divided across different cells. Using yeast as a model system, this project will investigate the genetic, molecular, and physiological steps involved in transitioning from existing as single cells into complex cell aggregates, that gave rise to the multitude of life forms present today. This research will provide crucial insights into the origin of complex life, as well as shed light into the processes involved in major biological transitions. This project will create a web portal that will facilitate the sharing of strains, data, and detailed methodological protocols that will facilitate the use of the yeast system by the broader community and the general public. It will also provide yeast evolution kits to high school and college classrooms, prov

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2452109
- **Awardee organization:** Georgia Tech Research Corporation (GA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** EMW9FC8J3HN4
- **PI:** G Ozan Bozdag
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** LONG-TERM RSCH IN ENVIR BIO
- **Estimated total:** $596,940
- **Funds obligated:** $596,940
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 06/15/2025 → 05/31/2030

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2452109

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2452109, LTREB: The Multicellularity Long Term Evolution Experiment (MuLTEE). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-06 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2452109. Licensed CC0.

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