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Abstract or Project Description

Abstract or Project Description

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have dysfunctions in gut motility (the movement of muscles in the gastrointestinal tract). Currently, most available therapeutics developed to directly target the gut fail to stabilize symptoms, suggesting that dysfunctions in gut motility could arise from pathological changes occurring outside the gut. Intriguingly, gut motility problems also occur at high frequencies in patients with neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric diseases, associated with dysregulated neural activity in a specific region of the brain—the cerebral cortex. We propose that dysregulated neural activity in the cortex contributes to the emergence of gut dysfunction. We will test this hypothesis by first identifying specific regions in the cortex that are anatomically connected to the gut and then determining if modulating neural activity within these regions alters gut function. Additionally, we will use established mouse models of various neurological disorders and IBD to ask whether restoring homeostatic levels of neural activity to the cortex improves gut phenotypes. Our study will provide anatomical and functional evidence to support the concept that cortical modulations regulate gut motility. Furthermore, the insight gained from the study can lead to novel therapeutics for ameliorating gut motility symptoms in IBD patients.

Abstract or Project Description

Despite medical advances, a significant proportion of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients are resistant to therapies, with CD4 T cells being consistently activated. Analysis of inflamed tissues from a cohort of refractory IBD patients reveals an enrichment of metabolism gene transcripts in CD4 T cells. Exploring the mechanisms, our preliminary data demonstrate that several proinflammatory cytokines can independently trigger metabolic phenotypes which we believe reinvigorates the pathogenic function of CD4 T cells. This led us to formulate the hypothesis that IBD CD4 T cells, governed by metabolic cues, utilize common intracellular metabolites to drive inflammatory response that results in disease pathogenesis. Thus, our research goal is to identify the metabolic vulnerabilities of IBD CD4 T cells, which will consequently guide strategies for developing efficacious therapies.

Abstract or Project Description

In IBD, the microbes within the intestinal tract, collectively known as the microbiota, are targeted by inappropriate immune responses. There are also a number of changes in the microbiota composition that are thought to drive or amplify IBD pathology. One of these is the expansion of E. coli. However, our preliminary data has identified select E. coli isolates that limit intestinal pathology in mouse models of colitis by activating intestinal macrophages that either limit inflammation or promote barrier repair, two therapeutic endpoints for IBD. These results indicate that while some E. coli may amplify disease, others may protect against it. Understanding these differences will allow us to develop novel therapeutics.

Abstract or Project Description

To support academic programs and staffing at Menlo-Atherton High School.

Abstract or Project Description

To support general operations and research.

Abstract or Project Description

To provide general support, in honor of Rivkah Beth Medow’s 10 years of service as a Rainin Board Member.

Abstract or Project Description

Mutual Mentorship for Musicians (M3) is a platform created to empower, elevate, normalize and give visibility to musicians of historically underrepresented gender identities (including cis women, trans women, trans men and non-binary) in intersection with race, sexuality or ability across generations in the US and worldwide, through a radical model of mentorship and musical collaborative commissions.

Abstract or Project Description

The NDN Collective, founded in 2018, pioneers a systemic approach to empower Native communities by centering Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) leadership and reallocating resources. Through defense, development and decolonization pillars, NDN fosters sustainable growth while amplifying Indigenous voices to address societal challenges and promote equity and justice.

Abstract or Project Description

To help Norcal Crew continue to provide a great on water rowing experience for youth in Redwood City.

Abstract or Project Description

Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) require timely and efficacious therapeutic intervention. When conventional medications such as corticosteroids or 5-aminosalicylates fail to alleviate the disease, biologics that block a critical inflammatory molecule called tumor-necrosis-factor alpha (TNF_) are commonly used. Several drugs targeting TNF_ are currently used to treat IBD, which include Infliximab, Adalimumab, Etanercept, and Certolizumab Pegol. Unfortunately, one third of treated patients still fail to respond to these drugs. We and others have established in the past a role of immune cells called Neutrophils in IBD pathology. Neutrophils are professional phagocytes with primary role in bacterial killing and host defense; however, they also shape the inflammatory environment in the colon and are responsible for IBD disease severity. More recent studies have correlated Neutrophil presence and activity in the colon with reduced therapeutic response. Importantly, we and others have identified diverse neutrophil subsets in inflamed tissue with both protective and detrimental functions. Thus, the goal of this study is to use state of the art molecular and genetic tools to establish whether distinct Neutrophil subsets drive unresponsiveness to TNF_ biologics and define specific gene signatures that can help predict clinical response and aid in designing of future therapeutics to maintain durable clinical response in severe IBD.

Abstract or Project Description

This project invites and reflects on community responses to history and stories from the cityscapes of Bayview Hunters Point neighborhood of San Francisco and NOW Hunters Point. Through a live, outdoor dance performance, the lead artists will explore how communities inhabit space, how spaces influence bodies, how design can bring communities together, and how history is held in individual and collective bodies. The process and performance will excavate and express those stories to enliven the location and augment community ownership, as community members will be invited to perform alongside Kristin Damrow & Company dancers.

Abstract or Project Description

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs) are typified by bouts of inflammation-induced epithelial damage and repair. By take cues from their microenvironment or “niche”, intestinal stem cells (ISCs) direct these fluctuating pathological and reparative states in IBD. Yet, we do not understand which cells comprise the inflamed ISC niche and how they switch on programs of repair. To track evolving ISC niches, we are proposing the development of a new cutting-edge Niche-labeling system. Our ultimate goal is to understand how ISC niches change over the course of disease and leverage this information to reprogram an “inflammatory ISC niche” into a “regenerative ISC niche” and achieve lasting remission in IBD.

Abstract or Project Description

To support collaboration with citywide literacy partners.

Abstract or Project Description

To engage over 250 literacy changemakers, educators, funders and community leaders through the Second Annual Literacy & Justice for All Symposium in October 2022. The Symposium is at the heart of Oakland Literacy Coalition’s strategy to create accessible, affordable and impactful opportunities for the field to learn, collaborate and champion literacy to strengthen student outcomes.

Abstract or Project Description

To provide paid training and mentorship for Oakland youth who are at high-risk for being victims or perpetrators of violence and provide part-time job opportunities for youth 13-17 to work at a variety of tasks at the OPAL Center.

Abstract or Project Description

The Brilliant Baby program empowers families to create wealth through asset building, financial coaching and entrepreneurship training. To date, Brilliant Baby has enrolled more than 1,100 families and provided information, resources and support to advance their children’s early development and financial well-being.

Abstract or Project Description

To support the hiring and training of 35 literacy tutors. Oakland REACH provides families and students with high-dosage literacy tutoring through their Literacy Liberation Center. They aim to grow their impact by building out a robust cohort of literacy tutors.

Abstract or Project Description

To support general operations and the implementation of their strategic plan.

Abstract or Project Description

To support the Ignite! Reading Literacy Acceleration at Korematsu Discovery Academy.