Public Abstract

DE-FC02-02ER63421: UCLA-DOE INSTITUTE

Award Status: Active

Institution: Regents of the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
UEI: RN64EPNH8JC6
DUNS: 092530369

Most Recent Award Date: 01/26/2026
Number of Support Periods: 25
PM: Sharma, Vijay

Current Budget Period: 01/01/2026 - 12/31/2026
Current Project Period: 01/01/2025 - 12/31/2027
PI: Pellegrini, Matteo

Supplement Budget Period: N/A

Public Abstract

The DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics (DOE-IGP) at UCLA is dedicated to advancing technologies and methodologies in alignment with the DOE Office of Biological and Environmental Research (BER). Since its establishment, the institute has pioneered significant innovations in atomic imaging and genomic analysis, notably in comparative genomics and computational structural biology. Key achievements include advancements in X-ray crystallography and the development of computational tools for atomic structure determination, widely accessible via web-based servers. To propel technological progress, DOE-IGP supports a select group of researchers focused on cutting-edge research spanning microbial and plant studies. Integrating new technologies and enhancing connectivity through direct linkage with researchers and programs involved in BER activities, the IGP aligns with DOE BER missions through synergistic research projects tackling the following Aims: Biomass Generation in Plants - DOE-IGP aims to develop compact CRISPR systems for efficient genome editing in biofuel and biomaterial plants like Sorghum and Miscanthus. Traditional gene editing faces delivery efficiency challenges. The institute proposes using plant viruses as vectors to deliver hypercompact RNA-guided systems from microbial metagenomes. This approach aims to enable fast and high-throughput genome editing in key energy crop species. Biomass Deconstruction by Microbes - The institute focuses on microbial tools to deconstruct lignocellulosic biomass into renewable chemicals. Lignocellulosic biomass, though a promising feedstock, is resistant to hydrolysis. DOE-IGP aims to characterize the structure and function of cellulosomes as well as discover novel enzymes and pathways from bacteria that efficiently break down lignocellulose. Through collaborations with national facilities and leveraging strengths in biochemistry, genomics, and computation, the institute seeks to uncover basic principles and develop tools for converting lignocellulose into renewable chemicals and materials. Potential Impact - The DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics at UCLA is committed to advancing technologies supporting the DOE BER mission. Through strategic realignments and innovative research, the institute remains at the forefront of genomics and proteomics, contributing significantly to biological and environmental research. Our work will provide the community access to new genome editing technologies, an improved understanding of cellulosomes as well as new microbes for plant deconstruction.

The DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics (DOE-IGP) at UCLA is dedicated to advancing technologies and methodologies in alignment with the DOE Office of Biological and Environmental Research (BER). Since its establishment, the institute has pioneered significant innovations in atomic imaging and genomic analysis, notably in comparative genomics and computational structural biology. Key achievements include advancements in X-ray crystallography and the development of computational tools for atomic structure determination, widely accessible via web-based servers. To propel technological progress, DOE-IGP supports a select group of researchers focused on cutting-edge research spanning microbial and plant studies. Integrating new technologies and enhancing connectivity through direct linkage with researchers and programs involved in BER activities, the IGP aligns with DOE BER missions through synergistic research projects tackling the following Aims:

Biomass Generation in Plants - DOE-IGP aims to develop compact CRISPR systems for efficient genome editing in biofuel and biomaterial plants like Sorghum and Miscanthus. Traditional gene editing faces delivery efficiency challenges. The institute proposes using plant viruses as vectors to deliver hypercompact RNA-guided systems from microbial metagenomes. This approach aims to enable fast and high-throughput genome editing in key energy crop species.

Biomass Deconstruction by Microbes - The institute focuses on microbial tools to deconstruct lignocellulosic biomass into renewable chemicals. Lignocellulosic biomass, though a promising feedstock, is resistant to hydrolysis. DOE-IGP aims to characterize the structure and function of cellulosomes as well as discover novel enzymes and pathways from bacteria that efficiently break down lignocellulose. Through collaborations with national facilities and leveraging strengths in biochemistry, genomics, and computation, the institute seeks to uncover basic principles and develop tools for converting lignocellulose into renewable chemicals and materials.

Potential Impact - The DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics at UCLA is committed to advancing technologies supporting the DOE BER mission. Through strategic realignments and innovative research, the institute remains at the forefront of genomics and proteomics, contributing significantly to biological and environmental research. Our work will provide the community access to new genome editing technologies, an improved understanding of cellulosomes as well as new microbes for plant deconstruction.