Saturday, December 21, 2024
12/21/2024
The UIUC Neuroproteomics and Neurometabolomics Center on Cell-Cell Signaling develops innovative measurement and analysis tools and provides these tools to the NIDA research community. Rapidly evolving metabolomics, peptidomics, and proteomics methods facilitate new findings in both discovery and targeted modes. The Center provides high-end 'omics-scale characterization of the small molecules, peptides, and proteins in samples obtained from brain sub-regions like defined nuclei and even specific single cells. Our sampling methods facilitate molecular localization via high-throughput single cell isolation, mass spectrometry imaging, measurement of activity-dependent release, and quantitation of level changes as a function of exposure to drugs. We can then characterize the most important molecular targets in these samples using metabolomics, peptidomics, and proteomics (bottom-up, middle-down, top-down and protein complexes) via a broad array of mass spectrometry-based technologies. Finally, we provide the critical expertise for capturing the value of data via expert bioinformatics support that integrates disparate data types, develops advanced analytical approaches for complex metabolomics and proteomics experiments, and provides community support through several web platforms. At the beginning of the next project period, we will be supporting an initial group of 12 major users, representing the fields of addiction research and fundamental neuroscience with projects in cell-cell signaling, pain, pain management and pain mechanisms (especially as related to opioids), reward and motivation, unusual neurochemistry, and fundamental questions related to neuronal networks, memory, and behavior. The Neuroproteomics and Neurometabolomics Center on Cell-Cell Signaling is divided into three research cores: the Sampling and Separation Core, the Molecular Profiling and Characterization Core, and the Bioinformatics, Data Analytics and Predictive Modeling Core (plus an Administrative Core), and a Pilot Research Project Core. The Pilot Core invites new users to interact with our Center and includes an exemplary group of three initial pilot projects that includes a new investigator and a new research direction for an established investigator. The high level of synergy between the neuroscientists and technologists affiliated with the Center ensures we will enable exciting scientific advances in understanding how systems of neurons interact in both the healthy nervous system and upon exposure to drugs of abuse. Lastly, a series of outreach initiatives assures that our protocols and approaches are widely available to the appropriate scientific communities.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).