# Core D: Chemistry and Analytical Core (CAC)

> **NIH NIH P42** · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · 2021 · $143,100

## Abstract

ABSTRACT: CHEMISTRY AND ANALYICAL CORE
The Chemistry and Analytical Core (CAC) is a critical research support core for the UNC-SRP, providing
expertise and analytical capabilities to measure toxic substances with prioritization of inorganic arsenic (iAs) and
co-occurring contaminants and characterize their effects on metabolic dysfunction/diabetes. The CAC offers
analytical expertise and services, access to state-of-the-art instrumentation for metals measurements,
microbiome and biomarker/metabolomics analysis, and training in cutting-edge research methodologies. The
CAC provides Projects 1-5 with the tools and expertise needed to generate critical data sets that will help to
identify novel strategies to reduce iAs exposure and to prevent iAs-induced metabolic dysfunction. The CAC
staff accomplishes tasks through utilization of a versatile Agilent inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
(ICP-MS) and a hydride generation-cryotrapping-atomic absorption spectrometer (HG-CT-AAS) for total element
and speciation analysis, highly sensitive AB Sciex and Thermo TSQ triple quadrupole MS for biomarker
quantitation, and high resolution Thermo QE HF Orbitrap MS for metabolomics profiling and metabolite
identification. In addition, the CAC has established expertise in microbiome analysis via 16S rRNA gene
sequencing and shotgun metagenomics. The overall objective of the Chemistry and Analytical Core is to
provide the UNC-SRP Projects with analytical infrastructure, instrumentation, analytical service and
related training. Three specific aims will be pursued, including: Aim 1. Develop and implement analytical
methodologies, with a focus on separation, detection and quantitation of metals and their metabolites/species;
Aim 2. Examine toxicant-induced gut microbiome perturbation and metabolic disruption through metagenomics
and metabolomics; and Aim 3. Provide consultation to Biomedical and Environmental Science Projects and a
supportive environment for graduate student and postdoctoral training on state-of-the-art analytical equipment.
The CAC supports the overall theme of the UNC-SRP: “Identifying novel methods to reduce iAs exposure and
elucidating mechanisms underlying iAs-induced metabolic dysfunction with a vision for disease prevention.” !The
CAC activities promote interaction among all Projects and Cores through expertise in metals analyses,
microbiome and biomarker/metabolomics analysis that is critical in guiding the Projects’ research strategies.
With every component in place, including state-of-the-art equipment, rigorous QA/QC plans, highly experienced
personnel and a strong leadership team and institutional support, the CAC will play a key role in forging links
among the Center researchers.
!

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10112261
- **Project number:** 5P42ES031007-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- **Principal Investigator:** Kun Lu
- **Activity code:** P42 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $143,100
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-02-20 → 2025-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10112261

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10112261, Core D: Chemistry and Analytical Core (CAC) (5P42ES031007-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10112261. Licensed CC0.

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