Awards synergize autoimmune, AIDS research across NIH

NIEHS scientists and trainees recently received funding awards to enhance collaborative research across the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH Office of AIDS Research (OAR) and the NIH Office of Autoimmune Disease Research (OADR) made the following awards.

• Michael Fessler, M.D., NIEHS Clinical Director, and Carlos Guardia, Ph.D., head of the NIEHS Placental Cell Biology Group, each received OAR Innovation Awards. Fessler will investigate the relationship between specific sites of genetic variation and inflammatory phenotypes using the NIEHS Personalized Environment and Genes Study. Guardia will examine the interactions between two specific protein complexes that could lead to HIV-driven changes in cellular lipids.
• Nicole Taube, Ph.D., was awarded the Intramural AIDS Research Fellowship. The fellowship is designed to promote cross-disciplinary HIV and AIDS research at NIH and supports one year of work. Taube, together with mentor Janine Santos, Ph.D., will work to uncover how antiretroviral therapies affect pregnant women’s heart health.
• Lisa Rider, M.D., head of the Environmental Autoimmunity Group at NIEHS, and Dale Sandler, Ph.D., NIEHS Epidemiology Branch Chief, each received an OADR Intramural Collaborative Research Award. Rider will investigate the role of immune responses in co-occurring systemic autoimmune diseases. Sandler will seek to identify risk profiles of lupus and co-occurring autoimmune disease in U.S. women.

The one-time awards support meritorious projects by intramural researchers engaged in high-priority autoimmune disease research and HIV research. (SC)

Poster showcase puts toxicology research on display

Division of Translational Toxicology (DTT) scientists shared their latest research, applications, and databases at the annual Poster Showcase June 5. The event, held in the Rodbell Auditorium and lobby, featured 46 posters and 10 hands-on demonstrations from researchers across DTT.

The annual showcase began in 2020 as an online forum for scientific discussion when COVID-19 restrictions forced cancellation of in-person meetings and conferences. The successful program shifted to an in-person format with about 25 presenters last year.

Rachel Frawley, a health scientist in the DTT Systems Toxicology Branch, headed the team that organized the showcase. She said the rapid growth in participation reflects the important ways the event helps to communicate DTT’s vital work and connect people across NIEHS.

“It gives us an opportunity to do what we do best — talking science and sharing innovative, interdisciplinary research that aligns with real-world public health needs,” added DTT Scientific Director Heather Patisaul, Ph.D. 

(DM)