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Abstract or Project Description

The human gut is home to trillions of microbes including bacteria, viruses and fungi. These microbes play a crucial role in our health, particularly in diseases like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which affects millions worldwide. Surprisingly, not only the microbes that naturally reside in our intestines but also those we consume through our diet, especially fungi, can influence gut health. Our study aims to explore how different strains of gut fungi contribute to gut inflammation, which is a key feature of IBD. By studying these fungi, we have discovered that they can significantly influence the body’s inflammatory immune response at the strain level, potentially influencing the pathogenesis of IBD. We specifically focus on the effects of these fungal strains on the production of certain immune signals, which are pivotal in the body’s defense system but can also lead to inflammation when not properly regulated. Through advanced genetic and microbiological techniques, we aim to pinpoint which fungal strains in the gut can trigger inflammatory immune responses, paving the way for diet/treatment recommendations or treatments that might prevent or mitigate the symptoms of IBD. This project could lead to new knowledge in understanding and managing this challenging disease.

Abstract or Project Description

“Hope in Five Stories” is a site-specific aerial dance work presented by the Tenderloin Museum and co-created by choreographers Preethi Ramaprasad (Bharatanatyam) and Jo Kreiter (Flyaway Productions). It features South/Southeast Asian dancers performing five interconnected vignettes across the building’s balconies, 20 to 50 feet above the street. Each story becomes the site of a distinct scene exploring family, labor, longing, care and resilience—honoring the immigrant histories of the neighborhood.

Abstract or Project Description

Urban Jazz Dance Company (UJDC) will create a new evening-length dance work exploring vibration, movement and visual rhythm choreographed by Antoine Hunter with Deaf engineer Bobby Cox and UJDC dancers, premiering in San Francisco in November 2027.

Abstract or Project Description

“Dabke Drag Drums Against Displacement (DDD≠D)” is a community-engaged performance project commissioned by Vital Arts, featuring lead artist Shams Amal. Integrating Dabke dance, drag and queer Palestinian poetry, the project culminates in June 2027 with a community processional in Oakland and a world premiere at Brava Theater in San Francisco.

Abstract or Project Description

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) remains difficult to treat, partly because we do not fully understand how dying cells within the intestinal lining influence immune responses and tissue repair. Different types of cell death—apoptosis (non-inflammatory), necroptosis, pyroptosis (inflammatory)—occur in IBD, but how immune responses to them shape healing remains unclear. When intestinal epithelial cells die through apoptosis, dendritic cells (DCs) help maintain balance by producing molecules that suppress inflammation and promote regulatory T cells (Tregs), which aid repair. However, necroptosis and pyroptosis release signals that trigger inflammation. While inflammation is often thought to hinder repair, we hypothesize that these signals shape immune responses in ways that influence healing. Specifically, we propose that DCs interpret these signals and drive the formation of distinct Treg cell populations, each with unique repair roles. This idea challenges the paradigm that inflammation and repair are at odds, suggesting instead that certain inflammatory responses may help set the stage for recovery. Using innovative mouse models, we aim to uncover how DCs integrate signals from different types of cell death to direct tailored repair processes. By understanding these mechanisms, we hope to develop therapies that not only control inflammation but also promote lasting healing in IBD patients.

Abstract or Project Description

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, represents a global health crisis characterized by rising incidence, substantial socio-economic burdens and an elevated risk of colorectal cancer or other co-morbidities. While biologics like anti-TNF transformed care, they remain inadequate for many; with approximately 30% of patients failing to respond to induction therapy, and another 40% relapsing within a year. This therapeutic gap necessitates the discovery of novel pathways that control intestinal inflammation.

Emerging evidence reveals a provocative pathophysiological overlap between IBD and Parkinson’s disease (PD). This includes a well-described deficiency in dopamine as a hallmark of PD, while recent data shows dopamine levels are also significantly reduced in the inflamed intestine of both human IBD patients and associated animal models.

Despite this knowledge, the cellular & molecular pathways regulating dopamine production in the gut, as well as the importance to tissue health versus chronic inflammation, remains poorly defined. Here we build on new and unexpected preliminary data revealing a novel cellular source of dopamine in the gut that is necessary to restrain chronic intestinal inflammation. In this proposal, we will define the role, regulation and therapeutic potential of this axis across pre-clinical animal models and in human IBD.

Abstract or Project Description

Intestinal fungi, collectively known as the mycobiota, have emerged as significant contributors to intestinal disease severity. Our prior research demonstrated the efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation in inducing clinical responses in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients associated with decreased fungal colonization over time. Further investigations in mouse models and UC patients revealed that fungi exacerbate disease severity through the production of a toxin called candidalysin. Utilizing an array of approaches, we determined a wide fungal genetic variation within the gut of UC patients. With this proposal we will explore innovative approaches for fungal targeting in UC employing dietary approaches.

Abstract or Project Description

To strengthen curricular and instructional alignment between Oakland Unified School District’s nonprofit literacy partners.

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To expand fundraising capacity.

Abstract or Project Description

500 Capp Street’s mission is to encourage artistic experimentation, support new modes of living and build community. 500 Capp Street holds the legacy of artist-driven spaces and Bay Area conceptualism through process-oriented and provocative arts programming.

Abstract or Project Description

AfroSolo’s mission is to nurture, promote and present African American art and African Diasporan culture through solo theatre performances, visual and literary arts. Their programming seeks to illuminate the diverse range of styles, disciplines and perspectives of Black artists, using art to address issues of relevance to the Black community that empower and counteract negative stereotypes.

Abstract or Project Description

Alternative Theater Ensemble is committed to developing new works and local culture bearers by supporting the creative growth of theater artists from historically underrepresented communities; centering theater’s power as a tool for healing and connection; and sharing stories that reflect their complex and diverse communities, in places where people are. They believe that artists are essential in creating a more just and equitable existence throughout the nine county Bay Area.

Abstract or Project Description

Ambrose Trataris’ practice is rooted in the blended experience of growing up online and in an isolated rural town in Southern California. As the child of a Greek immigrant father and an American mother; Almbrose Trataris experienced two worlds meeting at every intersection of their growth, learning to push back and embrace as a way to integrate their own transformations. Ambrose Trataris performs in and produces live performances and video works, bringing together choreographed contemporary dance, the queer art form and costuming of Drag, and Virtual Reality avatars and worlds with full body tracking technologies.

Abstract or Project Description

A boundary-pushing live theater experience that reimagines healing through participatory storytelling, extended reality (XR) and community ritual in a series of play-game sessions.

Abstract or Project Description

Skywatchers and lead artist Marvin K. White (Glide Memorial Church’s Minister of Celebration) alongside choreographer amara tabor-smith and textile artist Mattie Loyce will work with the Tenderloin community to co-design a multi-disciplinary piece that features a 60-foot tapestry composed of fabric squares created by Tenderloin residents. Glide’s sanctuary will be transformed through arts-based world-building, into a performance environment that illuminates and celebrates those who inhabit society’s shadowlands.