Programs and Activities Highlights
- Notice of Change to the Instructions for Purpose and Scope in PAR-24-167, Utilizing Equipment to Study Environmental Extrinsic Factors and Enhance Rigor and Reproducibility of Animal Research (R24, Clinical Trials Not Allowed)
ORIP published a notice to inform potential applicants of changes to the language regarding the examples of projects that will not be supported under PAR-24-167, Utilizing Equipment to Study Environmental Extrinsic Factors and Enhance Rigor and Reproducibility of Animal Research (R24, Clinical Trials Not Allowed). ORIP supports the acquisition or update of modern equipment for measuring, monitoring, recording, and reporting environmental, biological, or biobehavioral variables.
- Site Visit: Purdue University
ORIP conducted a virtual site visit to Purdue University on June 20, 2025. NIH funded grant C06RR015480 for the renovation of offices and laboratories on the second, third, fourth, and fifth floors of the Robert Heine Pharmacy Building at Purdue University. Supported research areas include molecular pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, proteomics, development of inhalation products of antimicrobials, and pharmaceutical protein biotechnology.
- Site Visit: University of New Mexico
ORIP conducted a virtual site visit to the University of New Mexico (UNM) on June 20, 2025. NIH funded grant C06RR017566 for the construction of a multimodal neuroimaging facility for animal research on neurological and psychiatric disorders at UNM’s Health Sciences Center (HSC). C06RR016492 supported the renovation of the second floor of the new multidisciplinary research facility for the Toxicology and Environmental Diseases program in the College of Pharmacy at UNM HSC. C06RR018888 funded the construction of the neurobiology building to support the clinical and translational research programs of the psychiatry and neurology departments at UNM HSC.
- Site Visit: SUNY Stony Brook
ORIP conducted a virtual site visit to the State University of New York (SUNY) Stony Brook on May 2, 2025. ORIP manages NIH extramural construction programs that fund the construction, renovation, and modernization of research spaces. Grant C06RR029841 provided funding for the construction of the first Animal Biosafety Level 3 Laboratory in the Division of Laboratory Animal Resources at the SUNY Stony Brook Health Sciences Center. Grant C06RR014510 funded the renovation of 25,443 square feet of space on the third floor of the Life Sciences Building at SUNY Stony Brook to create research space for an interdepartmental molecular and cellular biology research group focused on yeast.
- Site Visit: Medical University of South Carolina
ORIP conducted a virtual site visit to the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) on June 16, 2025. Grant C06RR018823 provided funding to outfit two floors of shell space in the new Darby Children’s Research Institute (CRI) building at MUSC. Renovated research laboratories supported multi-departmental, interdisciplinary research programs in developmental neuroscience and cardiovascular developmental biology and cutting-edge core facilities in lipidomics, cell sorting, tissue engineering, and histology. Grant C06RR015455 funded the upgrade of the sanitization and related support facilities in the existing animal facility on the seventh floor of the Basic Science Building at MUSC and the outfitting of the adjoining shell space on the seventh floor of the CRI into a rodent barrier facility.
Read more in the archive.
Research Highlights from Investigators Using ORIP-Supported Instrumentation
- The Saponin Monophosphoryl Lipid A Nanoparticle Adjuvant Induces Dose-Dependent HIV Vaccine Responses in Nonhuman Primates
Researchers tested an HIV vaccine booster using an adjuvant (an ingredient that helps vaccines work better) called saponin monophosphoryl lipid A nanoparticle (SMNP). Using male and female nonhuman primates, researchers found that higher doses of SMNP triggered stronger immune responses, including robust B-cell activation and the production of two neutralizing antibodies (important for long-lasting protection). Only high-dose groups showed significant levels of these antibodies. Findings highlight the importance of dose-dependent potency of vaccines in shaping immune responses. This study suggests SMNP’s potential for use in humans as a next-generation vaccine.
- Inferring Drug–Gene Relationships in Cancer Using Literature-Augmented Large Language Models
Scientific literature contains a wealth of information on cancer and cancer drugs. Researchers developed GeneRxGPT, a large language model (LLM)–powered tool that analyzes biomedical literature to uncover drug–gene relationships for cancer treatment. By integrating PubMed data and advanced LLMs, this tool overcomes limitations of static LLMs (e.g., outdated knowledge, misleading results). A case study in liver cancer, supported by an ORIP S10–funded computing cluster, showed a key link between a particular set of mutations and sensitivity to the cancer drug sorafenib, pointing to a new treatment strategy. Designed for accessibility, GeneRxGPT is a promising resource to accelerate cancer drug discovery by helping researchers explore drug–gene interactions.
- Engineered Epithelial Curvature Controls Paneth Cell Localization in Intestinal Organoids
Intestinal organoids, laboratory-grown mini-organs that model the intestine, are emerging as a new complementary approach in research. Researchers have developed a new method to design the architecture of intestinal organoids by engineering the curvature of their tissue. Using an ORIP-funded photomanipulation and imaging system combined with a light-sensitive hydrogel, researchers precisely controlled the width and depth of intestinal organoids, mimicking the natural intestinal folds in humans. This structure guided the placement of Paneth cells, which are key to gut health and immunity. By improving the consistency of cell organization, this approach enhances the reproducibility and functionality of organoid models, making them more useful for studying diseases, testing drugs, and advancing restorative medicine.
- Giant Polyketide Synthase Enzymes in the Biosynthesis of Giant Marine Polyether Toxins
Researchers identified the “PKZILLAs,” massive polyketide synthase genes in the harmful algae Prymnesium parvum that are responsible for producing prymnesins—large polyether toxins linked to fish kills. PKZILLA-1 and PKZILLA-2 encode enormous proteins, each with more than 90 enzyme domains, producing precursors to A-type and B-type prymnesins. This discovery unveils the long-mysterious biosynthesis of these toxins, providing insights into the genetic and enzymatic mechanisms behind polyether production. It challenges previous size expectations in biological systems, offering new perspectives on polyketide biosynthesis.
- Noninvasive Targeted Modulation of Pain Circuits With Focused Ultrasonic Waves
This study explores noninvasive modulation of the anterior cingulate cortex using low-intensity transcranial-focused ultrasound to treat chronic pain. In a randomized crossover trial with 20 male and female patients, 60% experienced significant pain reduction immediately after active stimulation, with sustained effects on days 1 and 7, compared with minimal improvements with sham stimulation. Pain was reduced by 60% immediately post-stimulation and by 43% and 33% on days 1 and 7, respectively. The approach was well tolerated, with only mild, temporary side effects, highlighting its potential as a noninvasive alternative to brain surgery for pain management.
Read more in the archive.
