# Protein Localization, Identification and Folding Core

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 2021 · $160,847

## Abstract

The objectives of the Protein Localization, Identification and Folding (PLIF) Core is to connect
investigators to imaging techniques, particularly confocal and electron microscopy, highly specialized mass
spectrometry and the new area of protein folding as related to digestive diseases. This Core has evolved since
the origin of the GI Center in 1986, when it was a morphology core, to one encompassing newer and more
sophisticated techniques of protein identification and localization. In the last funding period that began in 2010,
the Core has been known as the Protein Identification and Localization Core. The new proposed PLIF Core
has added a more robust and state-of-the-art mass spectrometry facility that is part of an institutionally funded
Protein Folding Diseases Initiative at the University of Michigan. Given that multiple GI diseases, including
hepatitis, inflammatory bowel diseases and pancreatitis, involve abnormalities of protein folding resulting in
endoplasmic reticulum and other organelle stress, this adds another new dimension to the Core and takes
advantage of significant institutional investments. The specific aims of the PLIF Core are: (1) Provide state of
the art protein localization and identification facilities. Core programs include: Imaging, Proteomics and
Protein Folding Diseases Initiative resources; (2) Ensure delivery of high quality services and products and
provide technical oversight of all PLIF services; and (3) Train and educate members, associate members and
pilot feasibility recipients in the application and use of protein identification techniques for the study of digestive
and liver diseases. The most popular Core service is access to well-maintained confocal microscopes and
software for image processing and 3-D image reconstruction. Other broadly used services include the
evaluation of fine structure by electron microscopy and the identification of proteins and their post-translational
modifications by mass spectrometry both of which are carried out by expert Core personnel. Other added
aspects are an Aperio AT2 scanner and software for image analysis of stained tissue sections, and a laser
capture microdissection system. The Core is directed by Drs. Asma Nusrat and Bishr Omary, two experienced
and established investigators with extensive expertise in the services provided by the Core. During the
current cycle of the grant, the Protein Identification and Localization Core services were used by 76%
of Center members; and supported 116 publications with primary PLIF Core usage, of which 48 were
collaborative publications among two or more Center members. We anticipate a similar fraction of
Center members, including pilot awardees, to make use of the expanded PLIF Core. We also expect to
effectively partner with the other Cores of the Center and with other NIH-supported centers, and to
continue to provide state-of-the-art and efficient services and promote collaborations to synergistically
advance GI research and d...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10147055
- **Project number:** 5P30DK034933-35
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **Principal Investigator:** Bishr Omary
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $160,847
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1996-12-01 → 2023-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10147055

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10147055, Protein Localization, Identification and Folding Core (5P30DK034933-35). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10147055. Licensed CC0.

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