Quantitative Multi ‘Omics Analysis
To investigate drug resistance in cancer biology, and possibilities of cellular re-programming therapy, comprehensive understanding of changes in cellular components during disease is necessary. With this goal in mind, PHI is investing in both analytical instrumentation for mass spectrometry, and acquisition of state-of-the art multi ‘omics datasets suitable for applying data-mining algorithms. Quantitative analyses based on such datasets can identify novel pathways and molecular targets for therapeutic development and application.
Structural Biology and Molecular Target Validation
In order to develop selective drugs, such as those to prevent formation of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s disease, molecular modelling of membrane protein structural biology and proteostasis is critical. The PHI program aimed at enhancing expertise and physical infrastructure in membrane protein structural biology and proteostasis aims to synergize existing capabilities in basic research at IU Bloomington (NMR spectroscopy, crystallization robotics, high throughput screening, cryo-EM and cryo-electron tomography, and imaging) and clinical science at IU School of Medicine (neuroscience proteostasis, cancer biology and pathway modulation, and in chemoproteomics).
Chemical Biology
To increase understanding of chemical immunology and systems biology of Cancer and Neurodegeneration, the Chemical Biology and Biotherapeutics Center (C2B2) will be established. Based on partnership between IU campuses, as well as industrial and biotechnology partners, it will enhance research capabilities through addition of new instrumentation, chemical libraries, synthetic capabilities, as well as partnership with Eili Lilly libraries and downstream clinical development expertise.
Graduate Student Education
The C2B2 will become the home of a training program with cross-disciplinary focus in multi ‘omics analysis, which will contribute to:
- Development of a new graduate training program in Quantitative Oncology /Computational Biology of Precision Medicine that complements the existing NIH-supported Training Program in Quantitative and Chemical Biology (QCB) at IUB
- Post-M.D. clinical training for current medical practitioners (continuing education) in collaboration with the Genomic Medicine scientific pillar
- MS1-MS4 medical student training to incentivize students to participate in translational and basic science-oriented research programs as mentored PHI-related research activities at both IUSM and IUB
Included in this training program are opportunities for integrating our academic-industrial partnership with Eli Lilly to significantly augment traditional graduate student training on both campuses.
