# Center of Biomedical Research Excellence in Matrix Biology Phase II

> **NIH NIH P20** · BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $2,107,499

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract - Overall
The long-term goal of the Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) in Matrix Biology is to
establish, enhance, and actively advance a multidisciplinary research center focusing on improving our
understanding of the role of the extracellular matrix in development, health, and disease, and contributing to
the prevention, treatment, and cure for diseases of high priority. Since the beginning of Phase I in 2014, we
have vigorously intervened limitations that hinder achieving our goals. Program accomplishments resulting
from career development and mentoring of junior investigators led to an increase in research grant awards
during Phase I. We accomplished an increase in access to and use of shared instrumentation within the
COBRE Core facilities. Most importantly, a culture shift has occurred at Boise State University. Seven
investigators received significant new funding and graduated from the COBRE mentoring program. The Pilot
Project Program contributed to investigator success and served as an onramp for two of our Research Project
Investigators working toward R01 grant submission during Phase II. A critical mass of investigators has been
established around the thematic focus of matrix biology that includes a diverse cadre from disciplines including
biology, chemistry, physics, materials science, computer science, mechanical and biomedical engineering, and
electrical engineering. The COBRE program has put Boise State in a position to make significant contributions
to solutions addressing national health concerns. New laboratories have been built and core facilities have
been established supporting proteomics and metabolomics, histology, microscopy, imaging, and
biostatistics/bioinformatics. COBRE investigators published 98 peer-reviewed manuscripts including
noteworthy articles in journals of high impact. Phase II is critically important for us to continue our upward
momentum toward our goals of research growth over the next five years. To achieve this overarching goal, four
specific aims are proposed: 1) enhance and grow upon the critical mass of investigators established around
the thematic multidisciplinary focus of matrix biology, 2) enhance biomedical research core capabilities, 3)
grow research collaborations with existing programs, and 4) enhance research training opportunities. Upon
successful completion of the proposed aims, we will have strengthened and enhanced the critical mass of
investigators with shared priorities in understanding the role of the matrix in development and disease. Shared
core facilities will be enhanced and will support the needs of more investigators as they follow a mentored
career development plan. The multidisciplinary nature that was established in Phase I will continue to grow to
include additional investigators across our institution.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10415171
- **Project number:** 5P20GM109095-09
- **Recipient organization:** BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** JULIA THOM OXFORD
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $2,107,499
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2014-08-01 → 2024-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10415171

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10415171, Center of Biomedical Research Excellence in Matrix Biology Phase II (5P20GM109095-09). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10415171. Licensed CC0.

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