# University of New Mexico Center for Metals in Biology and Medicine

> **NIH NIH P20** · UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR · 2020 · $2,521,061

## Abstract

Inorganic metals have long been a focus of biomedical research in New Mexico, due to the high prevalence of
mining-related metal contaminants in the region. At the University of New Mexico Center for Metals in Biology
and Medicine (UNM CMBM) our main focus will be on both studying adverse health outcomes (including
cancer, pulmonary, neurologic, and other disorders) of metal contaminants as well as on harnessing the
chemical properties of metals for therapeutic and nutritional purposes. Detailed knowledge of molecular
interactions between metallic species and biomolecules can lead to clinical and population-level interventions
to improve public health. While heavy and transition metals exhibit both medical and toxicological
characteristics, the molecular and cellular interactions are often inadequately understood. The UNM CMBM
will combine expertise in inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and metal mixtures toxicology to add
sophistication and translational value to the research of mentored principal investigators (mPIs). Recent
discoveries from members of the mentorship team and mPIs highlight the need for greater depth of molecular
inquiry in studying metal interactions with biomolecular targets, as such detailed understanding permits
improvements in receptor targeting (in the case of medicines) or innovative interventions (in the case of
environmental hazards). By providing intellectual expertise and advanced instrumentation to aid the mPIs'
research endeavors, we will enhance their funding opportunities and career progression to full independence.
The mentors in our program have a strong history of successful junior faculty career development, which we
will further enhance within the framework of this P20 Center by promoting the key concepts of multidisciplinary
team science and translational research approaches. Our long-term goal is to establish a nationally
recognized program of well-funded researchers conducting innovative research on metals toxicology and
biomedicine that has positive impacts on New Mexican and Southwestern communities. We will achieve this
goal through the following three specific aims: Aim 1. Create a strong community of independent investigators
with common research goals related to metals in medicine and biology. Aim 2. Establish centralized research
Integrative Molecular Analysis Core Facility by integrating existing UNM-Health Science Center (HSC)
scientific resources and building innovative facilities to improve bioanalytical chemistry research training and
productivity for mPIs, as well as to bolster research quality and depth for our institute. Aim 3. Create a unique
“Metals in Biology and Medicine” program that has clear T0-T4 translational value. The successful
implementation of this Center will lead to growth in independent research funding at UNM, especially among
junior investigators achieving independent career goals. The outcomes of our program have clear clinical and
public health benefit to popula...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9854027
- **Project number:** 1P20GM130422-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** Matthew J Campen
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $2,521,061
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-07-01 → 2025-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9854027

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9854027, University of New Mexico Center for Metals in Biology and Medicine (1P20GM130422-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9854027. Licensed CC0.

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