Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence

In addition to the six Louisiana Board of Regents and LSU Board of Supervisors approved Centers, LSU Health Shreveport has three National Institutes of Health (NIH) Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE).

The Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) awards support the establishment and development of innovative, state-of-the-art biomedical and behavioral research centers at institutions in IDeA-eligible states through awards for three sequential five-year phases.

Center for Molecular and Tumor Virology

The Center for Molecular and Tumor Virology, directed by Dr. Martin Sapp, was established in 2002 and has been supported by three consecutive NIH COBRE grants totaling $22.9 million. The Center consists of research labs dedicated to investigating viruses and the diseases they cause. The goals of the Center for Molecular and Tumor Virology (CMTV) are to bring together scientists who direct independent but interactive research programs in molecular and tumor virology, mentor new faculty and students, expand virology research infrastructure in our region, and foster collaboration. Since the Center’s establishment, 55 postdoctoral fellows and 39 PhD students have been trained in CMTV labs, with more students in training now. The Center has hosted dozens of national and international leaders in virology and has helped train over 100 fellows and students. CMTV supports and maintains state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for use by members of the Center and the broader LSU Health Shreveport community.

Learn More about the CMTV

Center for Redox Biology and Cardiovascular Disease

The Center for Redox Biology and Cardiovascular Disease, directed by Dr. Chris Kevil, was established in 2018 and is supported by a five-year, $10.5 million NIH COBRE grant. The primary goal for this center is to strengthen the institution’s biomedical research infrastructure through establishing a thematic multi-disciplinary center. To accomplish this goal, Core facilities have been established including an Administration Core (Core A), an Animal Model & Histology Core (Core B), and a Redox Molecular Signaling Core (Core C). Also established are advisory committees (both internal and external) that provide guidance to program junior faculty and COBRE leaders as well as scientific and professional development meetings that further scientific excellence at LSU Health Shreveport.

Learn More about the Center for Redox Biology and Cardiovascular Disease

Center for Applied Immunology and Pathological Processes

In March 2021, LSU Health Shreveport received a five-year, $10.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish a third Center of Biomedical Research Excellence, the Center for Applied Immunology and Pathological Processes (CAIPP). Dr. Andrew Yurochko is the principal investigator for the grant and serves as Director of the CAIPP. Harnessing the collective strengths of departments at LSUHS and schools within the state and region, the CAIPP will advance new insights and understanding for how the immune system functions. These proposed studies align with the needs of residents of Louisiana, where diseases associated with altered immune responsiveness take a significant toll on the health of individuals, as well as financially on the health care system within the state. With understanding of the molecular and clinical basis for these diseases and the resulting immunopathologies, scientists hope to discover new and better ways to detect and treat these various diseases.

Learn More about CAIPP