Cardiorenal and Metabolic Diseases Research Center

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PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Cardiovascular (CV), renal and metabolic diseases are highly prevalent in the U.S., especially in Mississippi. We established the Cardiorenal and Metabolic Diseases Research Center (CMDRC) at the University of Mississippi Medical Center to bring together a multidisciplinary group of basic, clinical and population scientists working on CV, renal, and metabolic diseases. Understanding the complex relationship between these chronic diseases requires the combined efforts of basic, clinical and population scientists using innovative multidisciplinary integrative approaches to research and state-of-the-art technologies that facilitate discovery. The molecular bases for interdependence of CV, renal, and metabolic diseases have classically been studied via genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics platforms that assess DNA sequences and levels of RNA and protein expression. While data generated from these studies are informative, regulation of complex biological systems also requires understanding protein activity. Protein kinases are central to governing protein activity networks and link several regulatory elements, including transcription factors, chaperones, and structural proteins. The kinome refers to the broad-based activity of the complete set of protein kinases. Several methods have recently been developed to study the kinome in light of the vast activity of protein kinases. One of these new technologies is the PamChip which uses hundreds of ~13 residue-long reporter peptides which are phosphorylated with samples derived from cell cultures, tissues, or clinical biopsies. The degree of phosphorylation is measured in real-time using fluorescent antibodies. This technology is encompassed in the PAMStation 12 from Pamgene. This equipment supplement application is for funds to purchase a PAMStation 12 for the CMDRC. The acquisition of this state-of-the-art system will allow investigators of the parent COBRE to determine the role of the kinome in the areas of CV, renal, and metabolic diseases. This new equipment will also increase the sophistication of experimental approaches and strengthen future NIH grants from CMDRC investigators as well as other investigators at UMMC, including those supported by other NIGMS funded IDeA centers. The CMDRC has been a major driver for marked expansion of cardiorenal and metabolic diseases research in Mississippi. This large equipment grant will amplify and ensure sustainability of our efforts to develop a highly productive CMDRC dedicated to improving lives through research, discovery, and innovation.