Autophagy, Inflammation and Metabolism (AIM) in Disease Center - Phase 2.

The Autophagy, Inflammation and Metabolism Center (the AIM center) of Biomedical Research Excellence (CoBRE) at the University of New Mexico Health Science Center (UNM HSC) is a nationally unique center and a local and international interdisciplinary hub for fundamental and translational research in the areas of autophagy, inflammation and metabolism. These areas impact an array of health and disease states including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, infection, autoimmune disorders, neurodegeneration, and aging. Inflammation and metabolism are at the core of national and global health issues and are central to health problems in our state such as obesity, driven by disparities as well as by environmental factors and an aging population. There are few diseases that do not have inflammatory or metabolic components, whereas autophagy overlaps these areas and provides a unique and novel aspect. The main accomplishments in Phase I were: (i) the establishment of the center as an entity and as an internationally recognized intellectual hub; (ii) successful support of mentored PIs (mPIs) evidenced by the entire initial cohort of mPIs graduating with their independent R01s; (iii) assembly of a significant critical mass of investigators in the interdisciplinary thematic areas of the center; and (iv) development of a scientific core with instrumentation enabling rigor and reproducibility. AIM interactive seminars and world-class symposia drew on the strengths of the local, national, and international scientific community. Based on experiences in Phase I, the important next step in Phase II is to strengthen the AIM center and build and expand upon these successes. For Phase II, our long-term goals are to increase the impact and develop a self-sustaining locally, nationally, and internationally known interdisciplinary center, dedicated to fundamental and translational research in the areas of autophagy, inflammation and metabolism. Based on experiences from Phase I, we will strengthen the center in Phase II and ensure its long-term sustainability past phases II and III by implementing innovative and rigorous strategies. Phase II objectives will be achieved by pursuing the following specific aims: 1. Strengthen the AIM center through further development of its critical mass of investigators in the interdisciplinary scientific areas of autophagy, inflammation, metabolism, and their intersections. 2. Strengthen the AIM center as a hub for advanced resources complementing other institutional capabilities and contributing to the center’s long-term sustainability. 3. Strengthen scientific impact and diversity, while paving the path to sustainability of the AIM center at local, regional, national and international levels and fostering connections with other IDeA programs.