Center for Advanced Molecular Pathogenesis (CAMP)

About This Grant

Montana State University (MSU) is the alma mater of Maurice Hilleman, the most prolific vaccine scientist of the 20th century. The Hilleman legacy is important to MSU and a point of pride in the state of Montana. Beyond the Hilleman Scholars program and the Hilleman Research Symposium, MSU prioritizes “consequential” biomedical research aimed at understanding the molecular basis of disease. This research is supported by a BSL-3 (select agent capable) laboratory, a large animal BSL-2 facility, the only contemporary cryo-electron microscope capable of high-resolution structure determination the region, state of the art confocal and chemical imaging labs, and new investments in a cell analysis core. This existing infrastructure helps support the long-term goal of this Phase 1 Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) to establish a sustainable Center for Advanced Molecular Pathogenesis (CAMP) that fosters recruitment, development, and retention of investigators who share a common interest in translating new discoveries in pathogenesis into new treatments, vaccines, and cures. The theme of this application is intended to be broad enough to cultivate and maintain a pipeline of new faculty with diverse model systems, techniques, and scientific perspectives, while maintaining a unified research goal that focuses on understanding mechanisms and developing treatments for disease. Significantly, this application takes advantage of a talented pool of COBRE-eligible investigators in three departments from two Montana campuses and anticipates the recruitment of additional cohorts of early-stage investigators that will benefit from professional mentoring, instrumentation, and infrastructure essential to advancing biomedical excellence at Montana State University. To achieve this long-term goal, we propose three specific aims: 1) Recruit, develop, and retain a critical mass of investigators necessary to sustain a rigorous, productive, and merit-based research Center focused on Advance Molecular Pathogenesis (CAMP), 2) Improve capacities to translate basic research discoveries into tangible benefits for individuals and society, and 3) Establish core facilities that advance the aims of early-stage investigators, and simultaneously expands the biomedical research infrastructure in Montana and the surrounding IDeA-eligible states. To accomplish these aims, we propose three initial research projects, supported by two cores: The Administrative Core and the Advanced Biological Imaging and Cell Analysis Core. The rigor and feasibility of this application is enhanced by the leadership team (which includes two former COBRE investigators), the prior training and track record of our Research Project Leaders, tailormade mentorship teams, the research infrastructure supported by this award, and active engagement with world-renowned members of our advisory committee. Success of the current cohort will create a syphon, pulling new investigators into a high-priority career development program, thereby building a critical mass of investigators with the necessary momentum to sustain a unified research Center that focuses on understanding mechanisms and developing treatments for disease.