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Abstract or Project Description

Abstract or Project Description

Three year grant to support ABGH in expanding its Rising Mentorship Program, building organizational capacity and launching a research grant program focused on Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Funding will support mentorship for Black medical trainees, the hiring of a full-time Executive Director and six research projects led by early-career investigators.

Abstract or Project Description

Azora Therapeutics is developing a novel small molecule (AT177) for the treatment of refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). UC is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon that affects over one million individuals in the US and is associated with poor quality of life. Efficacy of currently available therapy is suboptimal and most patients cannot sustain long-term remission, with 14% ultimately requiring colectomy surgery. AT177 is a potential first-in-class oral small molecule aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist. AhR has been shown to play an important in regulating healthy immune and barrier function in the colon. The aim of this project is to develop a final formulation drug product to be used in preclinical animal model studies and a Phase 1 clinical trial.

Abstract or Project Description

BANANAS, Inc. supports families and childcare providers with resources, referrals and professional development for informal care networks like Family Child Care (FCCs) and Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFNs). The grant supports their efforts to enhance professional development opportunities, early learning experiences and safe programming spaces for families and caregivers.

Abstract or Project Description

A month-long series of interactive vertical dance, music and intergenerational social art practice that enlivens a Flight Path for birds and people in the heart of Oakland. Supported by a production support grant, “Somewhere To Land” invites artists and the public to engage personally and socially in themes of migration, belonging and ecological inter-being.

Abstract or Project Description

To support the MediaMaker Fellowship Program for emerging social issue documentary filmmakers. Bay Area Video Coalition inspires social change by empowering media makers to develop and share diverse stories through art, education and technology.

Abstract or Project Description

To support the production of “GOD SENT US ALAN,” a feature documentary film.

Abstract or Project Description

A four-part theatrical series offering four unique and intimate Black experiences, inspired by four visionary African American artworks – Jacob Lawrence’s “The Great Migration”; Romare Bearden’s “Sunday After Sermon”; Kehinde Wiley’s “We Want Peace” and Jean Michel-Basquiat’s “Hollywood Africans.”

Abstract or Project Description

The Rest and Care Award is a one-time, invite-only program for current and past Education and Arts nonprofit grantees, offering six-week sabbaticals with pro-rated salary, benefits, leave expenses and organizational support, recognizing the dedication and resilience of leaders in our grantee community. Black Cultural Zone Community Development Corporation centers Black arts, culture and economics to collectively design, resource, transform and build collective power for the Black community of East Oakland. CEO Carolyn Johnson has led the organization for five years.

Abstract or Project Description

Males and females with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) differ in terms of incidence of disease, symptoms and response to treatments. The underlying reasons are largely unknown. Understanding why these sex differences exist could reveal why many patients develop IBD as they enter young adulthood. Sex hormones such as testosterone surge during adolescence and then circulate at very different levels in males and females. These hormones are powerful signaling molecules that regulate diverse aspects of physiology and may play a role in IBD. Clinical studies hint that testosterone signaling is protective in IBD, but it is largely unclear which cells this hormone signals to in the gut and how this signaling might influence intestinal inflammation. We have discovered that testosterone signals to an important population of nerve cells along the gut-brain axis, called nociceptors, that communicate information about the gut to the brain and regulate local immune responses. Using mice in which we can specifically disable testosterone signaling in nociceptors without altering it in the rest of the body, we will determine how testosterone influences inflammation and tissue repair in colitis. The results will advance the understanding of how sex hormones impact disease activity in IBD, potentially explain sex-dependent outcomes and inform therapeutic strategies.

Abstract or Project Description

Inappropriate and chronic inflammatory responses underly the development of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), including both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. This process is an intertwined, inter-cellular cascade among diverse immune cells and tissue stroma. The interactions between immune and stromal cells not only propagate inflammatory responses but also regulate resolution of inflammation. Yet, we do not understand how immune cells interact with tissue stroma when intestinal inflammation occurs and resolve. We propose to first develop cutting-edge technologies that discover interacting partners of immune cells in vivo in a high-throughput and unbiased manner. We will then apply these new tools to identify the interactomes of immune cells over the course of intestinal inflammation. Funding from the Kenneth Rainin Foundation will support our program to map out the path of immune-stromal interactions from a healthy intestine to an inflamed tissue to recovery and repair. Targeting immune-stromal interactions that cause inflammatory propagation as well as the resolution will establish a new strategy to alleviate inflammation. Our long-term goal is to leverage this knowledge to switch “inflammatory interactions” to “resolving interactions” in order to restore intestinal homeostasis, which will ultimately curtail IBD and its devastating health implications.

Abstract or Project Description

An immersive performance-exhibit exploring and exploding gender, race and spirituality through a Black Queer and Trans lens. “Suga'” will spark vital conversations within the SF Bay Area LGBTQIA+ communities and beyond, empowering folks to envision a gender-liberated future powered by Black joy.

Abstract or Project Description

Supporting the successful transition of the Cal Shakes scene shop (“The Shop”) from a department of California Shakespeare Theater (“Cal Shakes”) into its own standalone nonprofit.

Abstract or Project Description

To support the engagement of Russell Consulting to launch and lead the Grassroots Artists Advocacy Program (GAAP) designed to train and empower individual artists to effectively advocate for policies benefitting artists and arts organizations and participate in coalition building with other sectors across the stateÕs creative economy.

Abstract or Project Description

Provides K-2 literacy coaching and training for tutors in OUSD schools.

Abstract or Project Description

The epithelial cells lining the intestine control responses to gut bacteria, limiting intestinal damage in Crohn’s disease. A critical gene in this pathway is DUOX2, which is up-regulated in response to bacteria, and helps maintain intestinal health. We discovered that Crohn’s disease patients who carry genetic variants in DUOX2 are more likely to progress to fibrotic disease complications requiring surgery. We tested an intestinal gene signature for refractory pediatric Crohn’s disease in a database containing 2000 small molecules, identifying 140 which might be more effective therapies. Our studies will now utilize a novel Human Intestinal Organoid, or “mini-gut” model system for refractory pediatric Crohn’s disease that we have developed informed by genetic factors like DUOX2. We have prepared stem cells from pediatric Crohn’s disease patients who did or did not have DUOX2 genetic variants, and will differentiate them into white blood cells and human intestinal organoids. This novel model system will be used to test ways to modulate pathways linked to fibrosis in patients, by screening the top small molecules which we have identified as potentially beneficial. Our studies will advance precision medicine, by developing a platform to screen new therapies in patient-derived intestinal organoids with clinically important genetic variants.

Abstract or Project Description

The Rest and Care Award is a one-time, invite-only program for current and past Education and Arts nonprofit grantees, offering six-week sabbaticals with pro-rated salary, benefits, leave expenses and organizational support, recognizing the dedication and resilience of leaders in our grantee community. Circo Zero makes live interdisciplinary and experimental performances responding to political crises, while centering queer bodies and ideas. Artistic Director Keith Hennessy has led the organization for 23 years.