PROJECT SUMMARY – OVERALL The COBRE CMADP was created in July 2012 to encourage basic research scientists to develop and implement new enabling technologies for the study of biological pathways and applied processes related to disease. Over the past nine years, CMADP investigators have pursued health-related research related to the molecular analysis of disease pathways. We have supported 24 junior faculty to date through research support and mentoring. The 18 faculty that have graduated from the program thus far have generated over $38.5 million in external funding. We also established three new Core Laboratories focused on enabling technologies for the study of disease: the Genome Sequencing Core, the Synthetic Chemical Biology Core and the KU Nanofabrication Facility (formerly the Microfabrication & Microfluidics Core). These three Cores brought new and essential enabling technologies to KU, allowing us to attract high-quality biomedical researchers and faculty to Kansas. As a result, CMADP strengthened both the human and the physical resources for biomedical research in the state. This application requests five years of funding for Phase 3 of our COBRE Center to pursue the following objectives: (1) to continue growing a critical mass of new and continuing investigators focused on the very broad theme of molecular analysis of disease pathways, (2) to continue a successful program of COBRE Pilot Project grants that utilize our Core Labs, and (3) to strengthen our existing Core Labs by expanding their capabilities and user bases, working with the KU Office of Research to position them for long-term sustainability based on a combination of fees generated plus a base of support from the University. The result will be a very strong cadre of successful mid-career biomedical research faculty and self-sustaining Core Labs that support research in molecular analysis of disease pathways statewide. We strongly believe that the overall impact of CMADP on biomedical research at KU and the state of Kansas will thus be substantial and enduring.

PROJECT NARRATIVE – OVERALL Enabling technologies are critical for the understanding of the biochemical and physical basis of disease as well as its diagnosis. The COBRE Center for Molecular Analysis of Disease Pathways pursues health-related research that is focused on the development and application of these technologies to understanding disease processes. Two of the Center’s major missions are to recruit, support and mentor outstanding junior faculty investigators, and to establish, operate, and grow successful Core Labs that provide state-of-the-art capabilities and services to investigators.