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Abstract or Project Description

Rooted in nature and a legacy of healing, Bellforge nurtures community, creativity and self-expression through the arts.

Abstract or Project Description

NOD2 was the first and to date the most frequent gene associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The NOD2 protein functions as a sensor of bacteria by binding molecules (peptidoglycans) shed from the bacterial cell wall. The IBD mutations in NOD2 result in its inactivation or partial loss of function. In 2019 we reported that NOD2 requires the attachment of 2 fatty acids to be functional. This modification termed palmitoylation is mediated by the protein zDHHC5 and is missing from many of the mutant forms of NOD2 associated with Crohn’s disease. Palmitoylation is a reversible modification and while zDHHC5 is the “writer” that adds the modification, the “eraser” that removes it has not been identified. We believe that by blocking the eraser that we can restore function to at least some of the NOD2 mutants. Our unpublished work has identified the relevant acyl thioesterase which removes palmitate and inactivates NOD2. Through the use of chemical inhibitors we are able to rescue the function of several NOD2 mutant proteins. This proposal represents the next logical steps in our goal to characterize the relevant acyl thioesterase and to determine if any FDA approved drugs can restore function to NOD2 by inhibiting this eraser.

Abstract or Project Description

For the health needs of Darryl Smith.

Abstract or Project Description

David Andrew Pooh Maddan Foundation’s mission is to provide financial assistance to young adults diagnosed with cancer and to fund innovative cancer treatments and research.

Abstract or Project Description

Our gut microbiome has a strong influence on a variety of diseases, including Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Fungi form an integral part the human gut microbiome, and studies in mice showed that fungi may have a substantial influence on inflammation and IBD development, while antibody responses against fungi constitute important clinical IBD diagnostic tools. However, the functional roles of fungi in modulating IBD, and whether they can be harnessed towards new treatments, remain elusive to date. In this study, we plan to uncover the role of fungi in IBD by taking biopsy samples of the gastrointestinal tract from IBD patients. From the biopsies, we plan to grow mini-guts, called organoids, in petri dishes. We have previously shown that it is possible to use these organoids cultured with microbes to study the interactions between bacteria and the gut cells. Thus, using IBD patient-derived gut organoids and specific IBD-relevant fungi, we will be able to identify mechanisms of the interactions between the diseased gut cells and the fungi. Interesting fungal candidates will be further validated in IBD-like mouse models. This combination of different approaches will allow us to better understand the influence of fungi on IBD progression and develop new intervention strategies for treating IBD.

Abstract or Project Description

A visual arts installation and performance artwork that utilizes indoor and outdoor spaces, blending traditional ritual, music and dance with visual art and electronic sound through wearable wireless devices and a multi-sensor tracking system. Rooted in deep engagement with Asian diaspora immigrant, refugee and asylee communities, this work will amplify the hopes and intentions for healing ourselves, one another and the land we share

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To support the deeper activation of the Dr. Huey P Newton Center for Research & Action, the public-facing initiative of the Dr. Huey P Newton Foundation.

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To support the Bay Area chapter of Drag Story Hour, which is conducting anti-doxxing as part of the Shields Up campaign.

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To fund the feature film, “Untitled Helen Documentary,” directed by Alix Blair.

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Supports the continuation of the Little Steps to College program in a community hub in Fruitvale.

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To support an award program in Kyle Metzner’s memory to recognize and encourage East Bay School for Boys educators who use storytelling to inspire their students.

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Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation is raising and investing $50M in Oakland literacy, food security and playgrounds through 2026. This grant contributes to pooled funds for literacy tutoring.

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Funds a percentage of educator and tutor training, coaching and tutor wages, and fully funds central leadership across five schools.

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This grant advances Education Resource Strategies’ Reimagining the Teaching Job work, which aims to retain and grow more educators through specific structural and funding shifts.

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The EDvance College Model focuses on increasing the number of credentialed teachers in Oakland’s early childhood education ecosystem through one-time college tuition subsidies. This grant subsidizes college tuition for five early childhood educators in Oakland.

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To support Artist Adaptability Circles.

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Supports pooled funding to drive multilingual priorities supporting students, families and educators across three geographic areas of California, including Oakland.

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Supports the Quality Counts Campaign and other literacy-focused programming and reporting.

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Supports making FASTalk a more sustainable and accessible product for educators and families in Oakland.