Pathological changes in lipid metabolism increase the risk of concomitant diseases like cancer, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. To investigate the involved metabolic pathways, highly sensitive, and versatile analytical methods represent a key feature of the current research. The inter-university project “explorative lipidomics of rare and chronic diseases” extensively focuses on the progression of the analytical platform in Graz and is strongly supported by all three universities of Graz as well as the BioTechMed-Graz consortium. New, up-to-the-minute technologies will ensure deeper insights into biochemical processes underlying pathological metabolic states.

Lead: University of Graz, Funding: 1.5 million Euro

Equipment:

• 6560 Ion Mobility Quadrupol-Time of Flight Massenspektrometer & 1290 UHPL und 1260 SFC II
• SEAHORSE XFe96 ANALYSATOR
• Q-Exactive

Im Rahmen von ELMINet (Elektronenmikroskopie Netzwerk) Graz wird die Bereitstellung moderner und leistungsstarker Elektronenmikroskopie-Infrastruktur durch ein interuniversitär abgestimmtes Investitionsprogramm im Bereich der Elektronenmikroskopie gefördert. Durch die Schaffung des Netzwerks erweitern sich die Zugangs- und Kooperationsmöglichkeiten für die Wissenschafter*innen am Standort Graz, was sich in einer deutlichen Erweiterung des Methodenportfolios,  wie auch in einer Qualitätssteigerung und Kostenreduktion im laufenden Betrieb der ELMI Anlagen niederschlagen wird. Dadurch setzen die drei Universitäten eine Offensive, gemeinsame Core Strukturen mit effizienter und effektiver Auslastung aufzubauen. Neu anzuschaffende Elektronenmikroskope kombinieren neueste, hochauflösende Analyseverfahren und werden an zentralen Einheiten verfügbar sein. Durch die Verbindung ultrastruktureller und funktioneller Detektionsverfahren entstehen neuartige Möglichkeiten, Funktionszusammenhänge in subzellulären Strukturen, Geweben und Biomaterialien aufzuklären.
Ein abgestimmtes Lehrangebot im Bereich der Elektronenmikroskopie ist weiteres Ziel des ELMINet Graz Projekts.

Lead: Med Uni Graz, Fördersumme: 1 Million Euro

Geräte:

• Sigma 500
• ATUMTome
• Transmissionselektronenmikroskop Libra 120 Plus

• Mikroskop; BASIC UNIT SIGMA 300VP

BioTechMed-Graz will be able to cooperate more closely in the future with the help of highly specialized computing technologies. The goal of the "Integrated Data Management" project is the creation of an IT-service-data-infrastructure for the BioTechMed-Graz network. The researchers will be enabled to make use of the jointly generated data by providing access for integration and co-evolutionary analytics to interpret, structure and enrich them. Within the scope of the project, specialized clusters are to be acquired for the analysis, integration, interpretation and enrichment of research data.
In addition, an integrated data management platform is coordinated. The BioTechMed-Graz research activities and the aligned needs for service personnel, which supports the researchers in the application, further development and adaptation of the tools and IT infrastructure will be implemented.

Lead: TU Graz, Funding: 1.3 million Euro

For further information see: https://www.tugraz.at/sites/cyverse/home/

Equipment:

• Server-Infrastruktur für Integriertes Datenmanagement
• MedBioNode

The Center for Integrative Metabolism Research (iMRC) is an initiative for the sustainable development of key technologies. The major goal is to combine established and complementary research fields in metabolism research in an integrative approach through acquisition of cutting-edge NMR spectroscopy (NMR) infrastructure.
In this way, the molecular mechanisms of disease development and their connection with environmental influences, aging and stress will be studied using the characteristic metabolic fingerprints. The aging society is one of the greatest challenges for our health care system and biomedical research in the coming years. The iMRC aims to develop new integrative-translational research strategies to combat these widespread diseases.
The iMRC is an integral part of the strategic BioTechMed-Graz cooperation and is to be established as a national and international center for leading-edge research, which is regionally rooted, and expands the impact of regional and national collaborative projects due to the 600 MHz NMR spectrometer for metabolism research. This further enhances the international attractiveness and visibility of the research location, such as for appointments, guest scientists and companies.

Lead: Med Uni Graz, Funding: 1 million Euro

For further information see: Center for Integrative Metabolism Research (iMRC)- (Video)

Equipment:

• AVANCE NEO 600 MHz-Spektrometer inkl. Hard/Software

Contact:

Univ. Prof. Dr. Tobias Madl