Pilot Research Projects
Pilot Projects are small research projects funded by INBRE via a competitive proposal process. These projects are selected based on their potential to lead to external funding for the researcher, the potential impact on UW research on INBRE thematic foci, and the possibility the project, if lead by a junior investigator, could expand into a thematic research project.
Current Pilot Project Summaries
Colloidal-based SERS Detection of AMI-associated miroRNAs, Dr. Patrick A. Johnson, Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
MicroRNAs (miRNA) are a class of small (~22-24 nucleotides in length) non-coding RNAs that have been implicated in the control of cellular processes associated with both normal physiological states and disease. Recent demonstrations that unique miRNA expression profiles are highly correlated with a wide range of chronic and acute human pathologies (e.g. sepsis, diabetes, liver and heart disease, arthritis, mental illness) suggest that they could serve as next-generation biomarkers for clinical diagnosis, and perhaps prognosis as well. Currently, efforts to develop assays for disease profiling based on the recognition of miRNA expression signatures in clinical specimens have largely focused on microarray-based platforms that are restricted to testing applications in large clinical research centers.To determine the feasibility of developing a miRNA detection assay, which could be performed using cost-effective reagents and portable instrumentation, we will develop nucleic acid hybridization assays for the capture and detection of the acute myocardial infarction (AMI)-associated miRNAs miRNA-1, miRNA-208s and miRNA-499. Proof-of-concept hybridization assays will include the miRNA targets, Au-coated paramagnetic nanoparticles (Au@PMPs) conjugated with oligonucleotides complementary to the miRNAs, and miRNA-complementary reporter oligonucleotides which are conjugated with Raman reporter dyes. Upon formation of Au@PMP/miRNA/reporter ternary complexes, an external magnetic source will be applied for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection of miRNA capture by concentration and excitation of the Raman reporter within the field of an interrogating laser beam. Once assays have been optimized for the detection of individual AMI-associated miRNAs, we will then develop multiplexed assays in order to establish feasibility for the eventual goal of integrating this assay platform within the detection capabilities of a low-cost, portable Raman instrument reader. The proposed activities are based on technological capabilities currently available in our laboratory, and it is our intention to partner with a local Raman spectroscopic instrumentation company (DeltaNu, Inc., Laramie WY) in seeking follow-up R&D funding from federal agencies once the benchmarks outlined in the proposal have been achieved.
Metabolic Syndrome in PCOS: Understanding the Role of Pituitary Gonadotropes. Amy M. Navratil, Dept. of Zoology and Physiology
It has long been established that the physiological mechanisms controlling energy balance are integrated with those that control reproduction. In humans, insulin resistance is a component of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a reproductive ovarian disorder characterized by anovulation, polycystic ovaries, high androgen levels, hyperinsulinemia, and predisposition for Type 2 diabetes. It is the most common endocrine disorder among women of fertile age, with upwards of 10% of women being affected. PCOS is complex reproductive disorder with an unclear pathophysiology that often leads to infertility. It has been well documented that altered gonadotropin secretion is associated with the typical form of PCOS. Compared with the follicular phase of the normal menstrual cycle, women with PCOS exhibit a disproportionately high luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion with relatively constant low follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion from anterior pituitary gonadotropes. Previous data from our group suggests that gonadotrope cells in pituitary slices alter their movements in response to gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) by sending out long cellular processes. Preliminary data suggests that these cyto-architectural changes are related to directed movement toward vascular elements in the anterior pituitary presumably to facilitate hormone release into peripheral circulation. Thus, one of the central goals of this proposal is to use a live cell confocal imaging approaches to address how the organization, morphology, and movement of gonadotropes within a living pituitary may change under a PCOS/metabolically dysregulated state to affect LH secretion. At issue is whether the spatial and temporal attributes of gonadotropes are altered with metabolic syndrome to disproportionately increase circulating concentrations of LH seen in PCOS. To directly test this, we propose to utilize a PCOS mouse model to begin our imaging analyses in a complex and physiologically relevant system. Beyond these more descriptive studies, we will also use our PCOS mice to elucidate the molecular alterations in the synthesis of the gonadotropin subunit genes in vivo. Specifically, we will determine if dysregulation of the metabolic state results in an alteration of the chromatin structure surrounding the gonadotropin subunits genes. Taken together, our pilot proposal seeks to advance our understanding between the relationship of energy homeostasis/PCOS, the gonadotrope, and LH secretion. We are hopeful that the experiments outlined will help in identifying the underlying mechanisms of increased LH secretion in the pituitary and provide critical insight in to pathophysiology of PCOS and impaired reproductive function. Presently, our project is in very preliminary stages but following our two year projected research plan, it is our long term goal to submit a NIH research proposal (either R21 or R01) to the National Institute of Child Health and Disease (NICHD) funding agency.
Variability in long-term body weight trajectories among older adults, health, and mortality: implications for public health recommendations, Anna Zajacova, Dept. of Sociology
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND- After decades of research, studies on health consequences of obesity have failed to yield consensus on many key questions. In particular, excess body weight is known to be related to increased health risks but population studies suggest it is also linked to lower mortality risks. We posit that the contradiction may be solved if we understand how body weight changes over the long term in older adults. Special attention should be paid to population variability in the body mass trajectories because some types of weight patterns may be associated with particularly poor health outcomes.
SIGNIFICANCE / WHY IS THE RESEARCH QUESTION IMPORTANT-Rates of adult obesity have nearly tripled in the preceding five decades, from 13% in 1960 to 35% today. This trend has motivated extensive research on the health consequences of excess body mass index (BMI). Even after decades of study, however, major gaps remain in the BMI-health literature. This project is motivated by the paradoxical contradiction between findings from population research that finds excess BMI associated with decreased mortality among older adults versus the predominant understanding that excess body weight is det-rimental to health.
RATIONALE FOR APPROACH- We propose to determine the shape and variability of BMI trajectories among older Americans, using a large, nationally representative longitudinal dataset. We then link specific BMI trajectory patterns to health outcomes. This project presents two major improvements over the previous research. First, we employ cutting-edge ana-lytic methods to model long-term changes in body weight among older adults. Second, we shift attention from analyzing mean BMI trajectories to variability in the trajectories. Based on preliminary analyses, we hypothesize that there is substantiation heterogeneity in the older population in body weight trajectories. De-scribing the shapes and variability can help us identify how excess body weight impacts health at older ages.
PROJECT IMPACT- The current inconsistencies in the literature on body weight and health need to be resolved if health providers and public health officials are to provide a coherent set of recommendations to the public regarding achieving and maintaining body weight. Our results will help resolve a long-standing puzzle of inconsistent findings be-tween population and clinical research. By identifying population subgroups with body weight patterns that are particularly detrimental to health, targeted therapies and interventions can be designed. Additionally, the inno-vative methodology we employ here has potential to be useful in many other health-related research areas. By disseminating results using functional data analysis for longitudinal health research, we will add value to di-verse areas of epidemiological, biomedical, and population-level health and aging research.
CURRENT PROJECT STATUS- We have conducted extensive preparatory analyses to determine the feasibility of a successful completion of both project aims. For Aim 1, we have estimated growth mixture models of BMI trajectories. For Aim 2, we have estimated unadjusted joint growth mixture-survival models. We have also written the statistical code for FDA estimation used in Aim 2. The next step is to master the PACE modeling to examine the heterogeneity in BMI trajectories within the FDA framework.
PLANS FOR EXTERNAL FUNDING- The NIH has identified obesity as one of its main funding priorities. This project fits the major themes of the Strategic Plan for NIH Obesity Research: health consequences of obesity and the application of innovative an-alytic methods. With results obtained in this pilot, we will submit a competitive application. We will consider the R15 mechanism; alternatively, the NIH has an R21 call for applications specifically for secondary analyses in obesity, diabetes, and digestive and kidney diseases.
Past Pilot Projects
Engineering red-light activated nucleotide cyclases
Dr. Mark Gomelsky, Department of Molecular Biology
Maternal Obesity and Development of Type I Diabetes in NOD Mice Offspring
Dr. Meijun Zhu, Department of Animal Sciences
Dr. Mark Gomelsky, Department of Molecular Biology
Abstract: Engineered photoregulated proteins have the potential to revolutionize biomedical research. In a photoregulated protein, a photon absorbed by a chromophore bound to a photoreceptor protein domain affects activity of an output domain. Recently, remarkable progress has been achieved in engineering of artifical photoreceptors, which have already made a dramatic impact on the field of neurobiology. However, it is clear that we are just at the dawn of the era of photoregulated proteins as tools for biomedical research and therapy. Visible and far-red light is harmless to mammalian cells, therefore, it can work as a highly specific, and cheap way to regulate protein activities. The spatiotemporal resolution that can be achieved by using photoregulated proteins is unprecedented as a laser beam can be focused not only on an individual cell but on a particular region of the cell. Engineered photoregulated proteins can be broadly used for activation (or inactivation) of proteins of interest in cell cultures, tissues and animal models. Thus far only blue-light photoreceptors have been used for protein engineering. Because of the short wavelengths of light they have low tissue penetration, which drastically limits their utility in animal models of disease. Bacteriophytochromes absorb red/far-red light. It has much higher tissue penetration capacity than blue light and is currently used in deep-tissue phototherapies. The objective of this application is to provide the proof of principle that a chromophore-binding module of bacteriophytochromes can be used for engineering of red/ farred light regulated proteins. The goal of this pilot project is to engineer a red-light activated adenylate cyclase (cAMP synthase). The critical role of cAMP in controlling glucose and lipid metabolism as well as neuronal activity makes adenylate cyclase a highly desired target. Photoactivated adenylate cyclase can be used in various model systems to study neuronal plasticity, progression of diabetes and obesity. Some of these diseases are of particular interest to INBRE. The design of photoregulated enzymes relies heavily on computationally-intensive bioinformatics approaches that involve analysis and modeling of protein structures and dynamics. Bioinformatics is identified as one of the focus areas in INBRE. The assembled research team has complementary expertise in structural protein bioinformatics, genetic engineering and protein-ligand photo- and biochemistry required for the success of this pilot, high-risk/ high-return project.
