CTSI Translational Pilot Studies Program awards 13 new grants for 2023

Principal Investigator: Myles S. Faith, PhD, Professor, Department of Counseling, School, and Educational Psychology, Graduate School of Education

Co-Investigators: Leonard H. Epstein, PhD, SUNY Distinguished Professor and Division Chief, Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Christopher McNorgan, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences

Pediatric obesity is a major public health problem. Individuals with obesity compared to a healthy weight reliably show high relative reinforcing value of food and impulsive decision making, choosing small, immediate rewards over larger, delayed rewards. This pilot study compares 10 adolescent sibling pairs with and without obesity. In addition, the study compares each sibling with their obese parent, for brain regions involved in food reinforcer pathology. Understanding neural mechanisms and parenting variables that distinguish high-risk adolescents without obesity may provide insights for novel obesity prevention strategies in adolescents.

Principal Investigator: Michael H. Farkas, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Co-Investigators: Steven J. Fliesler, PhD, SUNY Distinguished Professor, Meyer H. Riwchun Endowed Chair and Professor, Vice-Chair and Director of Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Taosheng Huang, MD, PhD, Professor and Division Chief, Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences 

All mammalian cells and tissues rely on cholesterol synthesis, uptake, and turnover to meet local membrane demands. This study aims to develop unique “disease in a dish” cellular models of a hereditary human disease caused by defective cholesterol synthesis. These novel model systems will support studies to better understand the underlying disease mechanism and to test a novel therapeutic intervention strategy as an alternative to conventional gene therapy approaches. The long-term goals of this research program are to elucidate the role of sterol homeostatic machinery in all retinal cell types and to work toward a gene therapy for this disease.

Principal Investigator: Thomas J. Guttuso Jr., MD, Professor and Co-director, Movement Disorder Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Co-investigator: Gregory Wilding, PhD, Chair and Professor, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Professions, and Director, CTSI Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Research Design (BERD) Core

Long COVID is defined as having persistent symptoms for more than four weeks after recovering from the infectious phase of COVID-19. There currently is no known effective treatment. This study proposes a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating the effects of low-dose lithium therapy for three weeks among 50 patients with neuro long COVID. The primary outcome will be the change in Fatigue Severity Scale and Brain Fog Severity Scale scores from baseline to three weeks. Positive results would support low-dose lithium as an effective treatment for neuro long COVID.

Principal Investigator: Thomas J. Guttuso Jr., MD, Professor and Co-director, Movement Disorder Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Co-investigators: Daniel Sirica, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Luciana Frick, PhD, Senior Research Scientist, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Niels Bergsland, PhD, Integration Director, Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, and Research Assistant Professor of Neurology, University at Buffalo; Valerie Frerichs, PhD, Director, Chemistry Instrument Center and Research Assistant Professor in Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences

In observational studies, small daily doses of lithium have been associated with a 77% reduced risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD). In addition, lithium therapy has been effective in preventing neuronal death and behavioral symptoms in several PD animal models. A therapy needs to demonstrate therapeutic target engagement and improvement to disease progression biomarkers to justify the large investment needed to support clinical trials that can show if a therapy can slow the progression of PD. This study will examine the effects of a promising lithium dosage for six months on therapeutic blood-based and disease-progression MRI biomarkers among 15 PD patients.

Principal Investigator: Hyuk-Jae Edward Kwon, DDS, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine

Co-investigators: Jae W. Lee, PhD, Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences; Soo-Kyung Lee, PhD, Empire Innovation Professor and Om P. Bahl Endowed Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences

In the U.S., more than 10% of infants are born with dental anomalies. Despite the wealth of knowledge about how teeth are formed, the underlying molecular mechanisms of dental anomalies remain poorly understood. Building on a novel laboratory mouse strain, this study proposes to further generate two other potential strains, which altogether will be used as a comprehensive model system for identifying how the epigenetics of tooth development is regulated and addressing the question of why certain genetic mutations result in congenital dental disorders. These important research areas will lead to development of better strategies for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental disorders.

Principal Investigator: Peter Q. Liu, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Co-investigator: Yun Wu, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

There is an urgent need for reliable and cost-effective biosensors which can detect disease-related biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity, provide a fast response, and provide crucial information for the early diagnosis of many types of diseases. This project aims to develop a fast, cost-effective and user-friendly assay based on liquid-metal nanophotonic (LIMEN) biosensors with high sensitivity and specificity. These can be used to detect various biomarkers for disease diagnosis and treatment monitoring. The successful demonstration of LIMEN biosensors targeting biomarkers associated with COVID-19 and lung cancer may lead to immediate impacts in the early diagnosis and treatment of these diseases.

Principal Investigator: Patricia Logan-Greene, PhD, MSSW, Associate Professor, School of Social Work

Co-investigators: Mickey Sperlich, PhD, MSW, MA, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work; Gregory Wilding, PhD, Chair and Professor, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Professions, and Director, CTSI Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Research Design (BERD) Core

Firearm violence remains a major public health problem in the U.S. Despite this, frontline social workers have rarely received training to assess or respond to risk of firearm violence among their clients. This project will entail a pilot test of the Social Workers Addressing Firearm Risk (SAFR) Intervention, a fully online course to address the lack of preparation among social workers to assess and intervene with firearm violence risk among their clients. Following validation of novel measures, participants will be screened for improvement compared to a control group on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to study goals at pre-, post-, and follow-up tests.

Principal Investigator: Ekaterina (Katia) Noyes, PhD, MPH, Director, Division of Health Services Policy and Practice Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, and Director, CTSI Team Science and Workforce Development Cores

Co-investigators: Katharine Amato, PhD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions; Smita Y. Bakhai, MD, MPH, Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Kevin A. Fiscella, MD, MPH, Department of Family Medicine, University of Rochester; Michele M. Hubert-Fiscus, MSN, RN, Cancer Conference Director, Great Lakes Cancer Care Collaborative; Liise K. Kayler MD, MS, Program Director, Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation, Chief of the Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Jessica Martinolich, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Heather Orom, PhD, Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Associate Professor, Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, UB School of Public Health and Health Professions; Yaron Perry, MD, Clinical Professor of Surgery, Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery/Medical Director of Comprehensive Center for Thoracic Malignancies/Co-director of Robotic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Steven D. Schwaitzberg, MD, Professor and Chairman, Department of Surgery, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Stuti J. Tambar, MD, Breast Surgical Oncologist, Department of Surgery, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Consultants: Richard Charles, MD, Chief Medical Officer, General Physician, PC; Chester Fox, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Greater Buffalo United Accountable Health Network (GBUAHN); Armin St. George, CEO CrossWater Digital Media

Recent studies have indicated that the main risk factors behind low participation in cancer screening among people of color and low health literacy populations are lack of knowledge about screening programs, misunderstandings of cancer symptoms and treatment availability, cultural taboo of disclosing cancer family history and discussing certain body parts, and limited ability to navigate the healthcare system and understand health insurance coverage. This study will examine the use of culturally tailored video education to increase cancer screening rates among different populations, evaluate the impact of video education, and identify strategies for improving reach and use of this intervention.

Principal Investigator: Teresa Quattrin, MD, UB Distinguished Professor, Associate Dean for Research Integration, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and Director, CTSI Recruitment and Special Populations Core

Co-investigators: Lucy Mastrandrea, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Katelyn Carr, PhD, Senior Research Scientist, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Leonard H. Epstein, PhD, SUNY Distinguished Professor and Division Chief, Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Gregory Wilding, PhD, Chair and Professor, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Professions, and Director, CTSI Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Research Design (BERD) Core; Paresh Dandona, MD, PhD, SUNY Distinguished Professor, Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) carries a high burden for affected youth and their families, despite significant advances in insulin therapy, a diabetes associated technology. The phenomenon of increased prevalence of overweight is not sparing persons with T1D  with one-third of adolescents being overweight/obese. Obesity causes poorer mental and quality of life outcomes, poor metabolic control, and increases the risk for comorbidities, such as  hypertension and dyslipidemia. Since obesity runs in families and carries risk for poor outcomes psychologically and medically, this study proposes to adapt a successful, evidence-family-based behavioral treatment for overweight. The addition of this strong behavioral component to the standard of care dietary and physical counseling will be delivered in person and virtually. The goal is to decrease overweight in youth with T1D and their parents and improve obesity related co-morbidities in parents.

Principal Investigator: Ghazala T. Saleem, EdD, MS, OTR/L Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Science, School of Public Health and Health Professions

Co-investigators: Filip Stefanovic, PhD, Teaching Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Jacob I. McPherson, PT, DPT, PhD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Science, School of Public Health and Health Professions; Christopher McNorgan, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences; Osman Farooq, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Ferdinand Schweser, PhD, Associate Professor, Neurology, Biomedical Engineering, Radiology and Technical Director, Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

About 1.9 million children sustain mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) per year from sports injuries alone in the U.S. mTBI in children deserves special attention because children are particularly predisposed to the persistent cognitive and motor effects of mTBI,  which often interrupt typical neurodevelopment and result in functional limitations. While clinicians examine certain risk factors such as amnesia and history of prior concussions, they lack objective biomarkers to accurately predict the post-mTBI prognosis in children, and to precisely guide treatment. This study involves testing a brain stimulation method along with evaluating objective tools to help record and restore communication among affected brain areas, which will facilitate recovery in youth after mTBI.

Principal Investigator: Michelle B. Visser, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine

Co-investigators: Supriya D. Mahajan, PhD, MPH, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Patricia I. Diaz, DDS, PhD, Professor of Empire Innovation and Director, UB Microbiome Center, Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine

Poor oral health results in changes to the microbial community in the mouth and damage to the tooth supporting tissue, which may allow bacteria or other molecules to reach the systemic circulation and brain-associated tissue to contribute cognitive decline and neurological disorders. Identifying changes in the blood microbial community during oral health and disease, along with understanding biological and immunological mechanisms that these bacteria use to promote dysfunction of cells involved in maintaining protective brain barrier function and neurological health, will provide information to develop effective treatments to maintain oral and overall health and protect individuals from developing brain-related disorders.

Principal Investigator: Rabi Yacoub, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Mentors: Richard J. Quigg, MD, Arthur M. Morris Professor and Chief, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Umesh Sharma, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences 

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) burdens more than 15% of the adult U.S. population and is a major risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Increased retention of uremic metabolites in patients with CKD is associated with worse cardiac, renal, and patient outcomes. Macrophages uptake and retention of modified LDL leading to the formation of foam cells and worsening atherosclerosis plaque comprises the cornerstone event of the development of CVD. This study proposes that uPC increases modified LDL uptake (oxidized and acetylated). Researchers will perform multiple in vitro experiments to decipher the mechanisms by which uremic toxins induce retention.