Understanding the role of cholesterol and the female sex hormone, estrogen, on the mechanical properties of model myelin membranes

Through this NIH-funded biomedical center at the University of Kansas (KU), we aspire to leverage big data to improve America’s health. The center has a focus on chronic diseases, particularly those associated with inflammation and mental health; these diseases impact a high proportion of the American population and are more prevalent in women. A strong inaugural group of Research Project Leaders, spanning the laboratory sciences and social/behavioral sciences, would lead the research. Their goals include: improving the detection and treatment of ovarian cancer, a disease linked with chronic inflammation; developing a better understanding of the myelin repair process in neurodegenerative diseases; identifying risk factors of chronic health conditions that arise during the menopause transition; additionally, two different projects seek to improve American’s health by studying the impact of health behavior choices and access to medical services on chronic diseases and mental health in a geographic and rural context, for both men and women. The Center would enable progress on these projects and others at the interface of data science and America’s health by providing a strong administrative structure organized around the following Specific Aims: 1) Advance five RPLs’ research programs (through mentoring, grant-writing support, and professional development) 2) Engage additional research faculty (through three new tenure-track hires and a unique Research-Engaged Faculty Fellows Program); 3)Bolster Big Data research with core lab support (through two initiatives, the development of a new core lab focused on Biomedical Datasets and Services, and a voucher program, supported by university matching funds, that leverages KU’s 17 existing centralized research core lab facilities.) The well-planned theme, excellent inaugural project leaders, close coordination with university administration, and experienced Center Director and Associate-Director all lend strong credibility that the goals would be achieved. The successful completion of these aims will markedly increase the biomedical research capabilities on our campus, establishing at our institution a unique center that leverages data science for advancing health research.