The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded Northwestern University nearly $6 million in initial funding to launch the Center for Genome Intelligence Engineering (GENIE), a new Science and Technology Center focused on understanding and engineering the three-dimensional (3D) organization of DNA inside cells.
The cooperative agreement has a total intended award amount of nearly $30 million over five years, with the initial award beginning September 1, 2026. Vadim Backman of Northwestern University is the principal investigator, with Tatiana Segura of Duke University, Nicola Neretti of Brown University, and Jorge A. Cantú of Northeastern Illinois University serving as co-principal investigators.
Looking beyond the DNA sequence
GENIE is based on the premise that the physical organization of DNA provides cells with information beyond the genetic sequence itself. Although cells throughout the human body share the same genetic code, differences in how DNA is organized help determine which genetic instructions are used and contribute to differences in cellular identity and function.
According to the NSF award abstract, GENIE will investigate cellular transcriptional memory—the ability of cells to maintain their identity and respond to stimuli—and how it is physically encoded in 3D genome geometry.
The center will bring together researchers from eight US universities across physics, biology, computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and engineering. Its work will be organized around three integrated areas: Foundational Science, Enabling Technologies, and Chromatin Engineering.
The Enabling Technologies area will develop multiscale molecular modeling, AI-powered omics, and nanoscale imaging to characterize genome geometry from molecular details to cell populations.
The Chromatin Engineering area will investigate ways to manipulate genome geometry using CRISPR-based synthetic domain architecting, frequency-encoded electromagnetic modulation, and morphomodulatory biomaterials.
Potential applications in disease and aging
GENIE will apply these technologies in three testbeds focused on programming cellular resilience to ischemia, rejuvenating neurons in Alzheimer's disease models, and regenerating post-mitotic cardiomyocytes and neurons to combat aging.
The center also will launch a graduate program in Genome Intelligence and create research pathways for students from non-research-intensive universities in urban and rural communities.
According to the NSF, the ultimate goal is to establish a framework for Genome Intelligence Engineering that could support future advances in human health by helping cells and tissues resist damage, recover lost function, and regenerate.
Note: This news summary was generated by AI based on a published press release, followed by a review from human editors.
