Superfund Research Program
Biomonitoring and Environmental Analytical Chemistry Core
Project Leader: Angela M. Gutierrez
Grant Number: P42ES007380
Funding Period: 2005-2025
Project-Specific Links
Final Progress Reports
PublicationsConnect with the Grant Recipients
Final Progress Reports
Proteomics Component
The goal of the Proteomics Component of the Research Support Core is to provide SBRP investigators with state-of-the-art protein analysis capabilities, including protein profiling by both 2D Gel, protein identification by mass spectrometry, and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis of post-translational modifications. The proteomics core is working closely with the investigators of all three biomedical projects.
For the Superfund Chemicals, Nutrition, and Endothelial Cell Dysfunction Project, Dr. Michal Toborek continued to employ the combination of 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry to identify proteins in the lipid rafts fraction isolated from endothelial cell lines. More than 200 unique proteins have been identified in the highly purified lipid rafts fraction.
For the Vascular Mechanisms of PCB-induced Brain Metastases Project, Toborek developed a targeted proteomics approach to specifically characterize cell surface proteins expressed on brain endothelial cells. The cell surface proteins play critical roles in cell-cell contact/communication and cell-matrix interaction. In these analyses, Toborek's research team placed a special emphasis on PCB-mediated alterations of cell junction protein expression.
PCB Analysis Component
The objective of this component is to provide analytical support for the SBRP projects. The researchers have continued to identify and quantify PCBs in environmental and biological (cell cultures and animals) samples. In addition, the investigators are working to establish protocols to identify and quantify hydroxylated PCBs. PCB congeners that are the focus of the analytical efforts include PCB77, PCB104, PCB118, PCB126, PCB153, and the corresponding hydroxylated PCBs that are metabolites of the parent compounds.
Bioinformatics Component
In response to critical evaluation by the Reviewers of the projects original application, the original Bioinformatics Component of The Research Support Core was eliminated. The funds were redistributed and transferred to the Research Translation Core and Statistical Analysis Component. These changes were advocated and approved by the External Advisory Board.
Statistical Analysis Component
The Statistical Analysis Component continuous to work closely with all researchers on statistical data analysis and methodology. In addition, Dr. Stromberg developed research collaboration with Dr. Esther P. Black from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and worked closely with all the PIs on the design of a complex set of experiments intended to investigate, using microarrays, the biological effects of PCBs on multiple organs of the same mouse model. Dr. Black's contribution was critical in using systems biology approaches to analyze the obtained data and identify specific patterns of gene expression changes to link the vascular effects of PCBs to fat content in the diet. This interdisciplinary study was conducted and funded in part by the University of Kentucky Office of the Vice President for Research and the College of Agriculture.