Altered cellular metabolism contributes to the pathogenesis of many common diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders, which are prevalent in Oklahoma. However, metabolism- related research resources and infrastructure are currently insufficient and scattered in Oklahoma. To address these deficiencies, this Center for Cellular Metabolism Research in Oklahoma (CMRO) Phase I COBRE will create and nurture excellence in cellular metabolism in Oklahoma. The CMRO is located at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF), a leading biomedical research institute. The central focus of the CMRO is to support five new Assistant Member-level faculty (equivalent to tenure-track Assistant Professor at a Research University) as Project Leaders from three different OMRF Research Programs: Cardiovascular Biology (CVB), Aging & Metabolism (AM), and Arthritis & Clinical Immunology (ACI). These new junior investigators are the foundation for expansion and unification of cellular metabolism research. They will receive an appropriate level and form of multidisciplinary mentoring from experienced and competitive scientists. The CMRO COBRE aims to develop a critical mass of investigators who can secure external funding to support their research while creating a new, exciting, multidisciplinary, and collaborative environment for sustained competitive research on cellular metabolism in Oklahoma, which will be achieved through five Aims: 1) Support five promising young Project Leaders to scientific independence through incorporation of cellular metabolism research in their labs; 2) Promote novel multidisciplinary research focusing on cellular metabolism through mentoring the junior Project Leaders from three different OMRF Research Programs; 3) Integrate existing and new resources through Core facilities that support cellular metabolism research; 4) Promote an environment that supports the success and development of an independent sustainable center. The COBRE support will be critical to create a new, multidisciplinary and collaborative environment for sustained competitive research on cellular metabolism in Oklahoma.

PROJECT NARRATIVE Cellular metabolism allows cells to grow, develop, repair damage, and respond to environmental changes, which is fundamental to life. Altered cellular metabolism contributes to the pathogenesis of many common diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders, which are prevalent in Oklahoma. This Center for Cellular Metabolism Research in Oklahoma (CMRO) Phase I COBRE will create and nurture excellence in cellular metabolism in Oklahoma.