Search Grantees

Abstract or Project Description

Abstract or Project Description

Support for the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive for the David Wilson Program, “The Possible (working title).”

Abstract or Project Description

Abstract or Project Description

Abstract or Project Description

The study was an early phase clinical trial of Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT), delivered via different routes (colonoscopy and enema or oral capsules) for mild to moerate ulcerative colitis. Additionally, they investigated if pre-treatment with antibiotics prior to FMT has an impact on the outcome. 30 subjects were enrolled in the clinical trial. 20 subjects finished the study reaching at least the primary endpoint. Results indicate that pre-treatment with an antibiotic cocktail, followed by FMT delivered via colonoscopy, followed by maintenance dosing with orally administered encapsulated FMT can provie a greater benefit as compared with the study arms without antibiotics and with enema as the delivery mode during the maintenance phase.

Abstract or Project Description

Abstract or Project Description

Environmental factors are thought to contribute to the development of a range of human diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Interestingly, the incidence of IBD is higher in patients with autism, compared to those without. We propose that inflammation to which a developing embryo may be exposed in the maternal womb, could be an environmental risk factor linking autism and IBD.

We previously showed that a particular type of immune cells, Th17 cells, in mothers, promotes autism-like phenotypes in offspring, using a mouse model of inflammation-induced neurodevelopmental disorders (i.e. autism). Th17 cells, and the pathways that control them, are also implicated in IBD. We propose that prenatal, maternal inflammation, through Th17 cells both enhances autistic phenotypes and increases IBD susceptibility in offspring. Our work thus aims to elucidate the intricate connection between maternal inflammation, autism and IBD. In addition, this research will lay the foundation for future studies to identify novel therapeutics for treating maternal inflammation- induced IBD.

Abstract or Project Description

Abstract or Project Description

Adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC), a pathogenic form of E. coli, is known to accumulate in the intestinal mucosa of patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). Although it is believed that AIEC exacerbates the disease by promoting intestinal inflammation, the precise mechanism underlying the abnormal expansion of AIEC in the intestinal mucosa remains largely unknown. We have found that AIEC prefers amino acids as a source of nutrients during inflammation and this nutritional preference is critical for its ability to gain a competitive edge over commensal non-pathogenic E. coli. Importantly, we have demonstrated that intestinal amino acids used by AIEC as nutrients are mainly derived from the diet and, therefore, the removal of certain key amino acids from the diet will prevent AIEC from thriving in the gut. In this study, we will aim [1] to clarify the role of dietary amino acid utilization by AIEC in the development of intestinal inflammation and [2] to unravel the mechanisms by which intestinal inflammation regulates the substrate preference of AIEC. A successful completion of this project is expected to result in the development of novel therapeutic strategies that will control the pathogen by restricting the availability of its preferred source of nutrients.

Abstract or Project Description

Many genetic factors have been associated with increased IBD susceptibility. However, these only explain a fraction of the disease risk that an individual with such a predisposition experiences. Environmental factors have been proposed to work in combination with host genetics to cause IBD. Diet and the normally beneficial community of bacteria that live in the human intestine are candidate “environmental” factors. The industrialized world, in which IBD is more prevalent, has experienced reduced consumption of dietary fiber–a term used to represent a group of complex carbohydrates abundant in vegetables and grains. Humans cannot directly digest fiber, so it transits to the distal intestine and is digested by gut bacteria. We have shown that a lack of dietary fiber causes gut bacteria to turn to a different source of carbohydrates to survive: protective intestinal mucus, which normally forms a barrier that keeps bacteria at a “safe distance” from host tissue. We propose that chronic or transient reductions in fiber trigger gut bacteria to erode the mucus layer, bringing them into proximity with the host and causing disease flares. Support for our model will allow us to explore dietary therapies to prevent IBD occurrence by reinforcing the integrity of the mucus layer.

Abstract or Project Description

The goal of the proposed research is to develop a laboratory model of Crohn’s disease (CD), “Crohn’s Disease-on-a-Chip”. We mimic the microstructure and physiological function of human intestine by integrating tools developed in a microchip computer technology, tissue engineering, and clinical microbiology. We have a platform technology to maintain viable human intestinal cells in a thumb-size microchip with dynamic flow and bowel movement from days to weeks. The bottom line of our innovation is to take human samples including gut cells, immune cells, and gut bacteria isolated from CD patients as well as non-CD healthy individuals, then place them in the CD-on-a-Chip to recapitulate disease progression of CD. This approach allows us to build CD patient’s avatars (i.e. multiple CD chips) that can simulate CD symptoms of a single CD patient. We will recruit at least 10 CD patients. Thus, we expect to have ten different CD patients’ avatars to test possible therapeutics. We will test fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), where we add gut bacteria isolated from healthy donors into CD patient’s chips to validate if this approach can contribute to the rescue of CD. As a trendsetter, the CD-on-a-Chip may provide a translational platform to discover personalized precision therapeutics.

Abstract or Project Description

To support the organization’s Bay Area focused activities.

Abstract or Project Description

Abstract or Project Description

Abstract or Project Description

ReFrame, formerly known as the Systemic Change Project, is a nonprofit organization founded by Women in Film LA and the Sundance Institute, partnering with over 50 leaders in Hollywood to provide research, support and a framework for mitigating bias in creative decision-making and hiring processes. Led by director Alison Emilio, ReFrame aims to foster a more gender-representative industry across all levels through celebrating successes and measuring progress.

Abstract or Project Description

A new three day dance festival in San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Gardens. Curated by Wendy Rein and Ryan T. Smith (RAWdance), it will showcase nine site-specific works by wide-ranging voices in the local contemporary dance field.

Abstract or Project Description

A think tank that brings together a diverse group of stakeholders from the arts, civic impact, and financial sectors.

Abstract or Project Description

Youth Beat provides free digital media training to kids from some of the Bay AreaÕs lowest income neighborhoods. Their mission is to help inner-city kids get on a path that leads to success in college, career and life.

Abstract or Project Description

A new work with residents of San Francisco’s Western Addition Banneker Homes Housing Project, which will shed light on the untold stories of the city’s diminishing African American residents. The project will culminate in a site-specific performance and community celebration.

Abstract or Project Description

A new site specific aerial dance work by Joanna Haigood to be performed at Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture during the 2nd San Francisco Aerial Arts Festival in August 2016. The performance will honor war veterans, appealing to military families, historians and dance enthusiasts.