# The Neuroproteomics and Neurometabolomics Center on Cell-Cell Signaling

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN · 2021 · $1,138,357

## Abstract

The UIUC Neuroproteomics and Neurometabolomics Center on Cell-Cell Signaling develops innovative
measurement and analysis tools and provides these tools to the NIDA research community. Rapidly evolving
metabolomics, peptidomics, and proteomics methods facilitate new findings in both discovery and targeted
modes. The Center provides high-end 'omics-scale characterization of the small molecules, peptides, and
proteins in samples obtained from brain sub-regions like defined nuclei and even specific single cells. Our
sampling methods facilitate molecular localization via high-throughput single cell isolation, mass spectrometry
imaging, measurement of activity-dependent release, and quantitation of level changes as a function of
exposure to drugs. We can then characterize the most important molecular targets in these samples using
metabolomics, peptidomics, and proteomics (bottom-up, middle-down, and top-down) via a broad array of
mass spectrometry-based technologies. Finally, we provide the critical expertise for capturing the value of data
via expert bioinformatics support that integrates disparate data types, develops advanced analytical
approaches for complex metabolomics and proteomics experiments, and provides community support through
several web platforms. At the beginning of the next project period, we will be supporting an initial group of 19
major users representing the fields of addiction research and neuroscience, including projects targeting
neuropeptides, transmitters, proteins, and protein complexes that are involved in multiple aspects of drug
escalation, exposure and addiction, and the interaction of neuropeptides, pain pathways, and opioids. We also
will address fundamental questions of neuron/astrocyte identity, the first comprehensive single cell lipid profiles
of defined cell types, and even measure drug exposure as a function of time using hair samples (to aid several
ongoing NIDA trials). The Neuroproteomics and Neurometabolomics Center on Cell-Cell Signaling is divided
into three research cores: the Sampling and Separation Core, the Molecular Profiling and Characterization
Core, and the Bioinformatics, Data Analytics and Predictive Modeling Core (plus an Administrative Core). New
this year, we have added a Pilot Research Project Core that invites new users to interact with our Center, and
have outlined an exemplary group of three initial pilot projects that include a beginning investigator and a new
direction for an established PI. The high level of synergy between the neuroscientists and technologists
affiliated with the Center ensures we will enable exciting scientific advances in understanding how systems of
neurons interact in both the healthy nervous system and upon exposure to drugs of abuse. Lastly, a series of
outreach initiatives confirms that our protocols and approaches are widely available to the appropriate scientific
communities.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10180922
- **Project number:** 5P30DA018310-18
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
- **Principal Investigator:** Jonathan V. Sweedler
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $1,138,357
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2004-08-23 → 2024-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10180922

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10180922, The Neuroproteomics and Neurometabolomics Center on Cell-Cell Signaling (5P30DA018310-18). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10180922. Licensed CC0.

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