# Laboratory & Biobehavioral Marker Core E

> **NIH MH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · 2026 · $209,549

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Consistent with the Center’s theme, the mission of Core E is to facilitate a broad range of biological and
behavioral intervention studies that are designed to optimize psychiatric, behavioral, and medical outcomes
among persons with HIV (PWH). During next funding cycle the Core E will continue to offer basic panel assays
(Aim 1) and sample repository (Aim 4) for all Pilot Projects, as well as design and implement novel assays and
encourage utilization of omics (Aim 2) and MRI technology (Aim 3) where appropriate. This Core will perform
laboratory and imaging assessments that define the mental illnesses and comorbidities related to HIV/AIDS
and unique modeling and measurements related to various behavioral and pharmacologic interventions. The
Core will benefit from the major strengths of the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM), Children's Hospital of
Philadelphia (CHOP), Centers, Departments, and Schools at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) and Wistar
Institute. We will identify specific and potentially unique biomarkers which are related to mental illness and to
comorbidities of HIV/AIDS. These data will be collected for all subjects to be studied in pilots and other Cores.
The Core will perform assays of body fluids and cells including markers of immunity, inflammation, stress, and
health. The Core will also carry out neuroimaging and provide guidance on neurocognitive measures. The
Core will perform assessments related to therapeutics for HIV, mental health, and comorbidities. The Core is
directed by two senior investigators, Drs. Jordan-Sciutto, and Gur. Dr. Douglas will retain a consulting role with
the Core and will continue to advise Drs. Jordan-Sciutto, and Gur in all aspects of the Core. The Core will
support the Center’s scientific agenda and developmental program. This Core resource will closely interact
with existing resources at Penn, which are central to the mission of the PMHARC. The Core PIs, Drs. Jordan-
Sciutto, and Gur, are in leadersh

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11262872
- **Project number:** 5P30MH097488-14
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- **Principal Investigator:** Cagla  Akay Espinoza
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** MH
- **Fiscal year:** 2026
- **Award amount:** $209,549
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2013-06-03T00:00:00 → 2028-01-31T00:00:00

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11262872

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11262872, Laboratory & Biobehavioral Marker Core E (5P30MH097488-14). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-18 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11262872. Licensed CC0.

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