Protein Networks as Synergistic Drivers of Membrane Remodeling

SUMMARY ABSTRACT: Administrative Supplement to Promote Diversity for R35GM139531 This proposal is for an administrative supplement to R35GM139531, to promote diversity through the training of a predoctoral candidate. The candidate, Ketsia Zinga, is black/African American, a historically underrepresented

group in the biological sciences. Importantly, through this supplement, Ketsia will have the opportunity to be trained at the multi-disciplinary interface of experimental and computational biophysics. Ketsia has expressed a

specific desire for this multi-disciplinary training environment, which will be facilitated by two co-mentors: (i) Prof. Jeanne Stachowiak, an experimental biophysicist, and (ii) Prof. Pengyu Ren, a computational biophysicist. Notably, this unique training opportunity would be impossible without this administrative supplement because (i)

the parent grant does not have sufficient funds, and (ii) additional funds are needed to incorporate a significant computational component into the existing aims of the project, which is necessary to meet Ketsia’s unique training goals. The key goal of the proposed supplemental work falls fully within the funded aims of

R35GM139531. Specifically, the supplemental activities support two major goals of the funded project including: (i) understanding how biological membranes impact the assembly of protein condensates, and (ii) understanding the molecular mechanism behind the ability of protein condensates to bend membrane surfaces. Guided by

these research goals, in combination with Ketsia’s career goals, we have designed a highly tailored training plan for Ketsia. Specific aspects of our plan include (i) co-mentoring by experimental and computational investigators, (ii) design of research activities that couple experimental findings to biophysical models, (iii) support from a

diverse mentoring committee, (iv) opportunities to interact with faculty members from diverse groups, (iv) mentored application for graduate fellowships, (v) multiple opportunities to attend research conferences, (vi) targeted preparation for a future leadership position in the biomedical sciences, and (vii) mentorship through the

transition to a postdoctoral position or other post-graduate employment. Taken together, these training and research activities will enable Ketsia to realize her vision of working at the interface of computational and experimental biophysics, while greatly enhancing her competitiveness for an exciting, independent scientific

career in the biomedical sciences.