The Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (CoBRE) program is supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) and aims at advancing sensory biology at OUHSC by supporting innovative research on how cells perceive their environment. It funds diverse projects using model systems ranging from simple organisms to human tissue, with a focus on cell signaling mechanisms mediated by structures such as cilia, flagella, dendrites, and cell surface receptors and ion channels. The program also supports studies of diseases associated with sensory dysfunction.
Initially, the OCBRESB will leverage existing institutional strengths in cilia biology and related diseases, with plans to expand into broader sensory modalities. The Center is well positioned to establish a multidisciplinary research program based on this.
The OCBRESB includes an Administrative Core led by Dr. Leonidas Tsiokas, Professor and Chair of the Department of Cell Biology, four research projects addressing sensory signaling in vision, neurodevelopment, neuronal function, and neuropsychiatric disorders, and two core facilities providing advanced imaging and cell and genetic engineering capabilities. Dr. Jody A. Summers serves as the Associate Director and Ms. Sarah Cabanelas as the Senior Administrative Manager.
The program aligns with OUHSC’s strategic priorities in areas such as metabolic disease, vision, cancer biology, and brain aging, while supporting the expansion of neuroscience research. It strengthens critical infrastructure for basic science and fosters the development of independent, NIH-funded investigators. The overall goal of the OCBRESB is to significantly enhance biomedical research capacity in Oklahoma.