COBRE in Sex-Based Precision Medicine

Critical to the success of clinical care and translational science is an awareness by clinicians and researchers that diseases are characterized by biological sex differences in epidemiology, pathophysiology, manifestations, progression, and response to treatment. Harnessing the biological forces that define disease manifestation and severity in one sex compared to the other may help transform its diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, sex-based precision medicine (SPM) is fundamental to precision medicine that will benefit both men and women. A transdisciplinary approach is necessary to understand the complex interactions between genes, hormones, environment, social factors, and disease. The proposed Tulane Center of Biomedical Research Excellence in Sex-Based Precision Medicine (COBRE in SPM) will address this critical barrier in the field. The overarching goal of the COBRE in SPM is to 1) create a transdisciplinary center that will investigate biological sex factors that interact with other environmental factors affecting biology, health and disease, 2) prepare early-stage and new investigators (ESI/NI) for independent federal funding, and 3) achieve national prominence. The Specific Aims of the COBRE are to 1) create a university-wide center that fosters transdisciplinary collaborations between basic, clinical, epidemiological, and social sciences to stimulate innovative research and discoveries on the role of biological sex in physiology, disease, and medicine, 2) develop a critical mass of highly trained investigators studying SPM and enhance their ability to compete for external funding through a strong mentoring program, 3) recruit new investigators to the field of SPM research by engaging them in the use of COBRE resources, and 4) establish an infrastructure to advance the science of SPM and improve health through an innovative Enrichment Program that will train the next generation of highly qualified SPM investigators. To accomplish these aims, the COBRE in SPM will rely on the following specific strategies: An Administrative Core to coordinate and supervise research and pilot projects, scientific mentoring and career development activities, and all components of the COBRE. Protected time and research support for three Research Project Leaders (RPLs) to allow them to establish independent, federally funded research programs on SPM. A Structured Career & Mentoring Plan to assist ESI/NI in advancing their independent research and becoming NIH-funded investigators. A Pilot Project Program to provide seed support to ESI/NI to catalyze groundbreaking research that will lead to the submission of successful NIH R01s or to COBRE Research Projects. An SPM Enrichment Program to support 1) a Curriculum highlighting the importance of SPM; 2) a Bootcamp that provides skill-based training to investigate SPM for ESI/NI and established scientists; 3) an SPM Seminar Series; and 4) a Workshop and annual Symposium that showcases advances in SPM research, builds collaborative networks, and promotes SPM research broadly. An SPM Research Core to serve RPLs and Pilot Project Leaders and provide statistical and bioinformatics support to investigators studying biological sex factors.