The central hypothesis of this research project is that rheostat positions have general properties that distinguish them from other nonconserved positions. In Aim 1. we will test the hypothe- sis that rheostat positions can be detected by a particular pattern of evolutionary change. using pyruvate kinase. aldolase. and an organic anion transmembrane transporter as model systems. If prediction is possible. amino acid variants at rheostat positions should be ??? for now ??? classified as having ???unknown significance??? to reduce false predictions. Further.

Male mammals compete for mates and disperse from their natal group (i.e.. the group where they were born) to increase access to unrelated mates and to decrease the risk of competing against male kin. However. males in some species form tolerant and cooperative bonds. but for most species. we still have a poor understanding what facilitates the formation of such strong male bonds. This research study will investigate the links between dispersal patterns. kinship. mediating behaviors.

Background: Species are often distributed discontinuously across their total geographic range. Understanding how these patterns originated is a major question in systematics and biogeography. Habitat fragmentation has often been invoked to explain population isolation. which. over prolonged periods of time. can lead to speciation [1]. One example of a region where species patterns may have been shaped by historical habitat fragmentation is the humid Guineo-Congolean evergreen and semi-evergreen forests of West and West-central Africa. In this region.

Through this research project. The CIDD will work closely with 4E Therapeutics to prepare a sufficient number of structural analogs to support the goals of the research.The CIDD will provide synthesis support to 4E Therapeutics to prepare and characterize compounds to support the program goals.All novel compound design.

Basic Research

Basic Research

GaitIQ is an innovative Health Information Technology (HIT) company in San Antonio, Texas partnering with Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), UT Health San Antonio, and the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). The goal of this SBIR grant is to demonstrate feasibility for a novel motion capture and gait analysis product to detect and monitor functional markers for neurodegenerative diseases and fall risk in primary care or community settings.

Our group has recently licensed a technology enabling the identification, isolation, and subsequent

expansion of “youthful” mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from elderly individuals. This population is

Basic Research