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Abstract or Project Description

Abstract or Project Description

Microbiota small molecules correlate with IBD pathogenesis, yet the molecular mechanisms behind remain elusive. We recently developed gene manipulation tools in multiple gut Clostridia commensals, and by mutating the responsible gene and mono-colonizing germ-free mice with the mutant, we can switch specific microbiota metabolites on/off in vivo and found that metabolites derived from Clostridia amino acid transamination, like branched short-chain fatty acids (BSCFAs) suppress intestine IgA plasma cells. Many microbiota-associated metabolites, including BSCFAs, are derived via microbial transamination of dietary amino acids and are highly abundant in the host. Multiple studies have shown that this group of microbial metabolites is significantly different between IBD patients and healthy humans. We hypothesize that microbiota metabolites from amino acid transamination mediate intestine immunity and inflammation. Herein we will apply Clostridium CRISPR-based toolsets to modulate these amino acid-derived metabolites in vitro and in vivo, investigate their effects on intestinal immunity and inflammation in germ-free and colitis mouse models, and look into clinical samples to determine if their levels are positively correlated with disease severity in IBD patients. Our findings will uncover previously unknown molecular mechanisms behind microbiome-IBD correlation and facilitate the identification of new therapeutic targets and new biomarkers for IBD prevention and treatment.

Abstract or Project Description

Professional Learning & Administrative Costs to attend Big Sky Literacy Conference and The Reading League Conferences in 2024.

Abstract or Project Description

To support the development and outreach of Yu Ming’s preschool program.

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. Z Space Studio is a multifaceted performance space, theater production company and community arts hub. Executive Director Shafer Mazow has led the organization for four years.

Abstract or Project Description

Supports after-school literacy interventions, leader coaching, teacher planning and family engagement for one OUSD school and two charter schools in the Sobrante Park neighborhood.

Abstract or Project Description

This project will work with leaders and members of the Black community in the Bay Area to shine a light on the troubling reality of police interactions. Through community workshops and performances in neighborhood-specific locations, this piece will blend improv techniques and real-life stories to educate and foster conversation around this critical topic in the Black community.

Abstract or Project Description

The Agnes McCarthy Caregiver Foundation provides hope and relief to individuals who care for someone with mental or emotional health issues. The Caregiver Foundation offers a $500 scholarship annually to high school seniors living with a family member with a mental health condition, recognizing the challenges they face in balancing caregiving responsibilities with their educational aspirations.

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For general support as Artist Space Trust develops and launches the Acquisition and Renovation Impact Investment Fund.

Abstract or Project Description

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

Abstract or Project Description

The Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists (ABGH) proposes a new mentorship program, “ABGH Rising,” a national mentorship and education program to promote health equity and address the root causes of health inequities, including IBD.

Abstract or Project Description

Created in response to the California wildfires of 2020, “BURNING WILD” is a devised performance incorporating physical theatre, song, dance, documentary video and puppetry to tell a collaged docu-myth. Born out of a call for growth and transformation, “BURNING WILD” re-envisions the intersection of ensemble theater and radical community care, using arts and wellness as cultural liberation practice.

Abstract or Project Description

A dance work that redefines ability and embodiment by using robotics technologies to assist disabled dancers, exploring new movement potential and the use of apparatuses for “superhuman” movement.

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 1 million individuals in the United States 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 conduct preclinical studies to support advancement to clinical studies in humans.

Abstract or Project Description

For the MediaMaker Fellowship program and general support.

Abstract or Project Description

The Berkeley Free Clinic provides free medical care, driven by the belief that healthcare is a fundamental human right. Their mission to ensure everyone has access to compassionate, dignified healthcare regardless of their ability to pay, while empowering the community with basic knowledge for informed decision-making and self-advocacy.

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To provide general operating support in memory of Zachary Symons-Rogers

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A Filipino Futurism Punk Rock Sci-Fi Music Play set in a diasporic, dystopian future where creativity is outlawed. “DarkHeart” immerses the audience in speculative futures, Filipino Futurism (influenced from Afrofuturism), explorations of Filipino diaspora and liberation, indigenous sciences and decolonization movements.

Abstract or Project Description

Boon Tutorial Intervention Program will pilot its interventions with twelve Oakland students. Notably, its first national pilot corroborated the impact proven by the intervention program it utilizes.

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.