Project Summary (2025-2030)

The Research Support Core 1 (RSC 1) is a comprehensive facility that offers advanced quantitative analytical technology platforms for metabolomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics. Dr. Nagireddy Putluri serves as the RSC leader, as well as the director of Metabolomics Core, and is highly regarded in the field of multi-omics. The RSC has four specific aims which enable integration within the BCM-Rice SRP to comprehensively support all four Projects, work with BCM – Rice SRP Center Cores, and provide opportunities for trainee engagement. The RSC will provide state-of-the-art multi-omics technologies to effectively assist the BCM - Rice SRP projects. The Core leverages the Advanced Technology Cores at Baylor College of Medicine to ensure access to targeted and unbiased metabolomics, proteomic profiling through mass spectrometry, antibody-based reverse phase protein array (RPPA), genome sequencing, transcriptomics using RNA-seq, as well as specialized metabolomics, and proteomics. RSC support includes intellectual input from faculty-level Core Directors for consultation and experimental design, hosting advanced instrumentation, performing advanced analytical procedures by Core research staff, and processing and analyzing "omics" data sets. BCM – Rice SRP Center further aims to develop technological methods in direct response to the needs of the Project Leaders.

RSC 1 will collaborate with project investigators to develop, validate, and implement innovative methods that are not currently standard procedures within RSC 1. This includes the identification of novel PAH metabolites through mass spectrometry, unbiased metabolomics profiling, epigenetic profiling of histone modifications and chromatin modifying enzymes using RPPA, ChIP-seq for genome-wide DNA binding site identification, and characterization of the placental proteome using gel-free proteomics with high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) employing isobaric tandem mass tags (TMT) technology.

Furthermore, RSC 1 aims to identify novel targets by characterizing key pathways. This involves investigating the molecular mechanistic and genetic aspects of PAH exposures through cutting-edge technical solutions, ultimately facilitating a deeper understanding of PAH exposures at various levels. In collaboration with the RETCC, RSC-I is committed to providing training in metabolomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics for the SRP research trainees. The ultimate goal of RSC-I is to provide the SRP investigators with the best quality scientific solutions available, enabling them to comprehend PAH exposures at the molecular mechanistic and genetic levels.