# Pilot Research

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN · 2024 · $144,793

## Abstract

The Pilot Research Project Core actively seeks, assesses, and supports novel and forward-thinking feasibility
(pilot) studies within the UIUC Neuroproteomics and Neurometabolomics Center on Cell-Cell Signaling. Our
Core and Center thrive when we facilitate the achievements of promising young investigators who are new to
our 'omics measurement capabilities or addiction research, while also encouraging experienced researchers to
extend their research to substance use/misuse and addiction. The selected pilot projects will have access to our
considerable Center resources available through our scientific cores—Sampling and Separation, Molecular
Profiling and Characterization, and Bioinformatics, Data Analytics and Predictive Modeling—to generate the data
required for continued research and potential for longer-term support. The Pilot Research Project Core ensures
that the NIDA / neuroscience research community continues to take advantage of the opportunities and expertise
offered by our Center. Applicants who propose feasibility studies, who want to explore how to incorporate ‘omics
data into their research, or what to start a new direction that fits the NIDA and Center research areas may qualify
for support from the Pilot Core. To improve overall Center capabilities that will benefit multiple users, the Pilot
Core will also support small technical, methodological, or conceptual developments from staff and users to
improve Center measurement and informatics capabilities. Toward those goals, we outline three exemplary initial
pilot projects targeting neuropeptides, transmitters, and proteins that are involved in multiple aspects of drug
use. The first project aims to identify substrates of a receptor linked to addiction and neural plasticity. The second
project focuses on characterizing neuropeptides to understand genetic factors contributing to oxycodone-related
phenotypes and their role in opioid use disorder development. The third project aims to perform single-cell
transcriptomics measurements for the project investigator, with the developed technology also benefiting other
Center projects. We will solicit new proposals each year, and support up to eight additional projects for
competitive review by the Core over the next five years. The Core has a rigorous process in place to solicit,
assess, and select Pilot projects. Overall, the Pilot Research Project Core, an important component of the Center
for Neuroproteomics and Neurometabolomics on Cell-Cell Signaling, encourages the use of cutting-edge
technology, fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration, and accelerates progress in addiction research.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10934863
- **Project number:** 2P30DA018310-21
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
- **Principal Investigator:** Elena V Romanova
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $144,793
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2004-08-23 → 2029-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10934863

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10934863, Pilot Research (2P30DA018310-21). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10934863. Licensed CC0.

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