# Augmenting Scientific Discovery and Research Infrastructure in the UAB Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (SEBLAB)

> **NIH NIH G20** · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · 2022 · $4,330,000

## Abstract

Project Summary: The current proposal outlines a strategic plan to implement novel
technologies within containment that will advance the NIAID mission to support pandemic
preparedness and biomedical research on risk group III (RGIII) pathogens. This proposal focuses
on the implementation of cutting edge equipment to advance in vitro (Aim1), in vivo (Aim2), and
molecular investigation (Aim3) of high containment pathogens and also seeks to build upon the
diagnostic expertise of the Scientific Director to establish a high containment molecular
infrastructure capable of rapidly responding to future emerging pandemic threats with rapid
diagnostic test development and real-world implementation for patient care and public health
intervention. Innovations include: 1) First proposal seeking to acquire cutting edge equipment to
increase scientific productivity at University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)’s SEBLAB, 2) Novel
use of the Zeiss lattice light-sheet microscope within containment, 3) Innovative implementation
of ultra-high resolution computed tomography and PET/SPECT capabilities enabling use of novel
radionuclides generated by the nation’s largest TR24 cyclotron (UAB) for non-invasive diagnostic
imaging research on RGIII pathogens, 4) Create the ability to perform bioenergetic analyses and
single cell sequencing at SEBLAB, and 5) Implement molecular infrastructure within containment
enabling rapid diagnostic test development and validation with a clear path to implementation in
CLIA/CAP-accredited clinical and public health laboratories. Given the current pandemic, risks for
future outbreaks, and rapid advancement of research technologies, investment in the UAB
SEBLAB as outlined in the current proposal will translate into real-world impacts on pandemic
preparedness and accelerate hyper-competitive basic biomedical and translational research
output that advances our basic understanding and biodefense capabilities against high
containment pathogens.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10626482
- **Project number:** 3G20AI167409-01S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- **Principal Investigator:** Sixto Manuel Leal
- **Activity code:** G20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $4,330,000
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2021-09-23 → 2025-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10626482

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10626482, Augmenting Scientific Discovery and Research Infrastructure in the UAB Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (SEBLAB) (3G20AI167409-01S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10626482. Licensed CC0.

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