# Metabolism and Toxicity Core

> **NIH NIH P42** · UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE · 2022 · $317,343

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY (METABOLISM AND TOXICITY CORE)
The overall purpose and the function of the Metabolism and Toxicity Core is to provide high quality analytical
services and validated data in support of all projects at the University of Louisville Superfund Research Center.
The Core personnel will conduct measurements and assays of biomarkers and indices of cardiovascular,
metabolism, and hepatic function used for assessing the risk and progression of cardiometabolic disease upon
exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The Core personnel will also provide intellectual input and
advice in selection of specific methodological approaches and provide training to students, fellows, technicians,
and junior faculty. The Core will employ strict quality control procedures to validate data and generate
harmonized data reports and data dictionaries to be stored in the Data Management and Analysis Core. The
core will support all Superfund Center research projects through its state-of-the-art equipment and assay. The
support offered by the core encompasses three main components – a flow cytometry component for the detection
and characterization of circulating cells and microparticles; a metabolism component for measuring biochemical
and metabolic endpoints such as urinary metabolites of VOCs, bile acids and catecholamines by LC/MS/MS and
GC/MS; and a pathology component to assay systemic toxicity using a battery of tests relating to glucose control,
liver function and hepatic toxicity. However, the scope of the core exceeds that of the projects to encompass
the development of cutting-edge techniques and analytical platforms to expand its repertoire of services. The
Core will continually upgrade its infrastructure as well as its technical capabilities to remain at the leading edge
of assays relating to biomarkers of exposure and harm. The core is also committed to the continued education
of its users as well as the research community at the university. The Core will also disseminate educational
information regarding the potential utility and accessibility of its services to enhance environmental health
research. By ensuring central deposition of harmonized and validated data, the core will provide a firm foundation
for research not only by the University of Louisville Superfund investigators, but investigators at other Superfund
Centers as well. Because of its state-of-the-art equipment, highly sophisticated technologies, and skilled
technical personnel, the Core will provide premier toxicological and clinical pathology services. By meeting these
goals, the core will continue to be an essential vehicle for growth and innovation within the Center, as well as an
educational hub for the training the next generation of scientists in the field of environmental health research.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10354696
- **Project number:** 2P42ES023716-06
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE
- **Principal Investigator:** Timothy E O'Toole
- **Activity code:** P42 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $317,343
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2017-09-01 → 2027-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10354696

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10354696, Metabolism and Toxicity Core (2P42ES023716-06). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10354696. Licensed CC0.

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