# Molecular Profiling and Characterization

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN · 2020 · $372,377

## Abstract

The Molecular Profiling and Characterization Core is the heart of the UIUC Neuroproteomics Center on Cell-Cell
Signaling. Understanding the role of brain chemistry in health, pain management, drug addiction, and withdrawal
requires knowledge of the molecules within the brain and their associated neurochemical pathways. The large
assortment of chemical messengers and the diversity of their chemical and physical properties require a complex
suite of measurement techniques and integrated approaches for dissecting the molecular components of cell-to-
cell communication. Mass spectrometry (MS) is a central technique for precise molecular profiling and
characterization of complex neurological systems. The primary mission of the Molecular Profiling and
Characterization Core is to augment our understanding of addiction-associated processes using MS-based
analytics to provide qualitative, quantitative, and functional data on the molecular drivers involved in cell-cell
signaling. Positioned between the Sampling and Separation Core and Bioinformatics, Data Analytics and
Predictive Modeling Core, this core executes defined studies with maximal data quality and provides tailored MS
methods for enabling user-specific experiments that lie at or near current technological limits. We have the
outstanding analytical capabilities and well-documented expertise to effectively probe diverse signaling
components within tissues, individual cells, and their extracts and releasates with spatial and temporal resolution.
These measurements capitalize on the careful study design and rigorous execution by professional staff capable
of developing and implementing validated methods across the Center. Between the University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign and Northwestern University, we are well-equipped with an extensive suite of high-
resolution, tandem mass spectrometers and sampling capabilities that are suitable for imaging and molecular
analysis of neuropeptides, metabolites, proteins, and protein complexes across a wide molecular-weight range.
For proteomics, defined study designs are categorized as “Bottom-Up” and “Middle-Down” shotgun approaches
in which proteins are digested to various extents prior to MS analysis, and the “Top-Down” approach in which
the intact proteins or whole protein complexes are introduced into the mass spectrometer for structural
characterization by tandem MS. We exploit the complementarity of these approaches within the context of
specific Center-supported research projects to maximize the molecular specificity and coverage for identification
and quantitation of proteins and their post-translational modifications. Future studies will benefit from high-
resolution information on relative and absolute amounts of bioactive neuropeptide and metabolite levels obtained
in either targeted or discovery modes of operation. We also employ MS imaging approaches to illuminate the
“hidden” peptidome and metabolome to elucidate key molecules and pathways inv...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9978000
- **Project number:** 5P30DA018310-17
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
- **Principal Investigator:** NEIL L KELLEHER
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $372,377
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9978000

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9978000, Molecular Profiling and Characterization (5P30DA018310-17). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9978000. Licensed CC0.

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