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 euros

Equipment:

• 6560 Ion Mobility Quadrupole-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer & 1290 UHPL and 1260 SFC II
• SEAHORSE XFe96 ANALYSATOR
• Q-Exactive

Within the framework of ELMINet (Electron Microscopy Network) Graz, the provision of modern and high-performance electron microscopy infrastructure is promoted by an inter-university coordinated investment program in the field of electron microscopy. The creation of the network will expand the access and cooperation opportunities for scientists in Graz, which will be reflected in a significant expansion of the method portfolio, as well as in an increase in quality and cost reduction in the ongoing operation of the ELMI facilities. The three universities are thus embarking on an offensive to establish joint core structures with efficient and effective capacity utilization. Newly acquired electron microscopes will combine the latest, high-resolution analysis methods and will be available at central units. The combination of ultrastructural and functional detection methods opens up new possibilities for clarifying functional relationships in subcellular structures, tissues and biomaterials.
Another aim of the ELMINet Graz project is to provide a coordinated range of courses in the field of electron microscopy.

Lead: Med Uni Graz, funding amount: 1 million euros

Devices:

• Sigma 500
• ATUMTome
• Libra 120 Plus transmission electron microscope

• Microscope; 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 infrastructure for integrated data management
• 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