The U.S. Medical Research Institute of lnfectious Diseases (USAMRIID) has announced intentions to award a new contract to George Mason University for profiling of host responses to high priority pathogens.
The required services include profiling of Intracellular Signaling utilizing Reverse Phase Protein Microarray (RPMA) technology for phosphoproteomic profiling of target host proteins that are significantly affected during infection with isolates of Burkholderia species; and to perform the functional characterization of select host targets that are identified through RPMA.
In addition, George Mason University will be required to perform functional characterizations of select Yersinia pestis host targets identified through RPMA analysis.
Intercellular Signaling tasks under the contract include comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms of exosome-based intercellular communication during infection with Y. pestis and also other biodefense agents using different methodologies, including RPAM and mass spectrometry analysis.
“George Mason University has extensive experience performing this type of highly complex, specialized research and with the particular scientific questions of this requirement,” states the announcement.
The estimated total value of this contract, including its proposed two one-year option periods, is $340,000.