UNE Center for Cell Signaling Research

Cellular systems such as the nervous, immune, vascular systems and bone do not work in isolation, but are functionally integrated and communicate extensively both in health and disease states. Defects or dysfunction in cell signaling are fundamental drivers of human disease, and our ability to meet contemporary clinical challenges, including

neurodegenerative and metabolic disease, chronic pain and optimizing healthy aging, requires a broader understanding of mechanisms of intercellular and intracellular communication. The proposed UNE Center for Cell Signaling Research (CCSR) will build a critical mass of talented investigators with a broad research emphasis on cellular metabolism,

inflammation and aging. The initial Research Project Leaders (RPLs), selected through a competitive process, bring diverse and complementary expertise from across UNE colleges and departments. Their research projects address discrete clinical challenges by investigating fundamental cell biological mechanisms that may have broad ramifications for human

disease. New faculty recruitment and support of a pilot project program will ensure a continued pipeline of RPLs and further grow the Center. Investigators will be provided with a structured mentorship program to support both their professional and research program development in their progression to independent funding and beyond. The proposed

Center will also expand the research infrastructure at UNE to support the innovative research programs of investigators in cell signaling. The proposed In Vitro Analytical Core will support the research of the RPLs with outstanding

instrumentation and innovative services that are not broadly available elsewhere in the region, including primary cell and cell line culturing, transfection and analysis through functional imaging as well as transcriptional and protein-based analysis. The core will be housed in newly renovated research space that will be contiguous with an existing UNE

Histology and Imaging Core, providing a unique suite of resources to support research at UNE. Institutional commitments include additional protected research time for RPLs and institutional matching funds for the pilot project program. In addition, the university has committed to hiring 3 additional investigators whose research programs will complement

those of the existing faculty. The Center will also benefit from strong continued institutional investment into research infrastructure, as well as well-established collaborations with neighboring IDeA state programs in Maine and New Hampshire. Research infrastructure will be enhanced by laboratory renovations, purchasing new instrumentation, and key

support for personnel. Additional institutional support has been committed for each of these. With sound financial and administrative management and regular assessments of performance with specified bench marks, the CCSR will be well- positioned to make a significant impact in optimizing healthy, pain-free aging and in finding new treatments for

neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases.