MUSC Center for Biomedical Research Excellence in Digestive and Liver Disease

Director: Stephen A. Duncan, D.Phil.

Associate Director: Don C. Rockey, M.D.

The overall objective of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) in Digestive & Liver Disease (CDLD) is to enhance the research capacity and competitiveness of CDLD members and Junior Investigators (JIs) by expanding available infrastructure, access to quality training, and opportunities to collaborate, thereby enabling outstanding basic research in digestive and liver disease. Our vision is to establish the CDLD as a sustainable force for digestive and liver disease research at MUSC and within the field. The Center would become a major focal point for digestive and liver disease in the state of South Carolina, and a hub for trainees and established investigators alike. Through an emphasis on basic biomedical research, the CDLD will advance the study of basic mechanisms underlying gastrointestinal (GI) and liver disease and build a foundation for the future discovery of novel treatments (See Figure 1).

Graphical abstract of the MUSC Center for biomedical resarch excellence in digestive and liver disease 
Figure 1. CDLD Organizing Concept. The CDLD is fully aligned with MUSC's strategic efforts (left bar of Figure) and will support fundamental molecular and cellular research in GI and liver disease (center). Success in the CDLD will provide a mechanistic basis for finding new cures and treatments (right).

Digestive and liver diseases afflict a broad range of Americans. In 2009, over 70 million US citizens per year were reported to be impacted by a GI- or liver-related malady1. Based upon the existing strengths at MUSC and their importance to Digestive & Liver Disease, the CDLD will support research in three thematic areas: 1) Inflammation and Fibrosis, 2) Metabolic Disease, and 3) Cancer. The CDLD will expand these research themes at MUSC by unifying multidisciplinary digestive and liver disease investigators, providing mentoring, and equipping investigators with access and training in advanced technologies and various models of digestive disease.

The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) in Digestive & Liver Disease (CDLD) is requesting applications for a Junior Investigator Award. The award provides approximately $150,000 in annual direct costs for up to three years, access to biostatisticians, and free use of the imaging core, animal models core, and cell models core. Also, CDLD Junior Investigators are provided mentoring and career development support to ensure a smooth transition to independence and to secure R01 funding. Project leaders must annually contribute a minimum of 6 calendar months to the CDLD project. Please follow this link to learn more about submitting an application to become a CDLD Junior Investigator.

COBRE Components

Administrative and Mentoring Core
Research Project 1, Aron Hobbs Ph.D.
Research Project 2, Eric Meissner M.D. Ph.D.
Research Project 3, Chad Novince Ph.D., D.D.S.
Research Project 4, Jorge Munera Ph.D.
Advanced Imaging Core
Cell Models Core
Animal Models Core
Pilot Project Awardees
Digestive Disease Research Seminars
Enrichment Series
Alumni