The study, “Targeting the D93 cryptic collagen epitope alters integrin α2β1-dependent cellular migration and collagen remodeling in metastatic breast cancer,” examines how changes in the tumor-associated extracellular matrix (ECM) may influence cancer progression and metastasis.

Using 3D human metastatic breast cancer spheroid models embedded in collagen type I hydrogels, the research team investigated the therapeutic potential of targeting the D93 cryptic collagen epitope with a monoclonal antibody. The study found that treatment with mAb D93 reduced cellular migration into collagen hydrogels and altered collagen architecture at both the fiber and fibril levels.

Two-photon microscopy further revealed that breast cancer cells drive exposure of D93 sites while remodeling collagen structure within the extracellular matrix. Together, the findings suggest that targeting the D93 cryptic collagen epitope may help inhibit integrin α2β1-dependent metastatic migration in breast cancer.

The project was supported through a COBRE pilot project and represents another important milestone for the Tilbury Laboratory’s work in cancer imaging and extracellular matrix research.

The post Tilbury Laboratory Research Accepted to Scientific Reports appeared first on Center for Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE).

New research from the Tilbury Laboratory highlights how advanced label-free optical imaging techniques can provide deeper insight into collagen remodeling in metastatic breast cancer and its role in tumor progression.

Using Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) imaging and two-photon microscopy in 3D human breast cancer spheroid models, researchers investigated how breast cancer cells remodel collagen architecture across multiple spatial scales, from fibril-level organization to larger extracellular matrix (ECM) structures. These imaging approaches allowed the team to better visualize cancer-driven collagen remodeling and its potential as a therapeutic target.

The research also explored how targeting the D93 cryptic collagen epitope with a monoclonal antibody reduced metastatic cell migration, further supporting the growing understanding that extracellular matrix remodeling plays a critical role in cancer invasion and progression.

This work represents an exciting contribution to the growing field of tumor microenvironment and extracellular matrix imaging research and marks Jordan Miner’s first manuscript developed from dissertation research.

Contributors to the project include , , , , , , and .

The post New Research Explores Advanced Imaging in Metastatic Breast Cancer appeared first on Center for Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE).

This spring, students mentored by COBRE-affiliated faculty presented research at the 91���� Student Symposium. The posters represented a wide range of disciplines, including biomedical sciences, engineering, infectious disease research, zebrafish models, mitochondrial biology, and tissue engineering. The symposium highlighted the collaborative research environment at 91���� and the important role faculty mentorship plays in student research success.

Featured Student Posters and Faculty Mentors

The list below highlights student poster presentations associated with COBRE faculty mentors during the symposium, including student researchers, project titles, and participating laboratories across campus.

Dr. Suzanne Angeli Laboratory

Determining the Role of ROS Within the Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore and the Maladaptive Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response

Student Researcher(s): Alyssa Castle

Reducing the Detrimental Effect of the Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore (mPTP) in Caenorhabditis elegans

Student Researcher(s): Kirin Guay

Examining Sex-Specific Differences in Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response Activation Using C. elegans

Student Researcher(s): Nathaniel Jordan

Tissue-Specific Role of atp-3 in Lifespan Regulation

Student Researcher(s): Holden Zuras

Mitochondrial Stress & Lifespan Extension in C. elegans Through RNAi-Mediated Gene Knockdown

Student Researcher(s): Melisa Matonsi, Kirin Guay, Seth Ashby, Timber Mattson

Characterization of Differentially Expressed Genes Between the Developmental and Post-Developmental Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response (UPRMT) in Caenorhabditis elegans

Student Researcher(s): Riley Jerome, Justin Solomon, Franklin Libby, Seth Ashby

Dr. Clarissa Henry Laboratory

Removal of Dpm3 in Zebrafish Leads to Impaired Neuromuscular Development and Failure to Thrive

Student Researcher(s): Amanda Ignacz, Lillian Warwick, Veronica Doyle, Clare MacDonald, Clarissa Henry

Dr. Joshua Kelley Laboratory

Pointing Shmoo North: Mapping the Polarized Proteome

Student Researcher(s): Remi Geohegan, Ahmed Almaghasilah, Sudati Shrestha, Nick Leclerc, Toby Dunne, Joshua Kelley

Septin, Exocyst and Polarisome Coordination in the Yeast Mating Pathway

Student Researcher(s): Catherine Beazley, Sudati Shrestha, Joshua Kelley

Dr. Benjamin King Laboratory

Increasing Rural Lung Cancer Patient Access to Precision Medicine Improves Overall Survival

Student Researcher(s): Michael Babcock

Genetic Causes of Differential Survival in DBA/2J Mice vs. C57BL/6J Mice Infected with Influenza A Virus

Student Researcher(s): Zacharie Claude, Abigail Bergmark, Ada Sinclair-Steele, Aubrey Dionne, Benjamin Curtis

Genetic Causes of Differential Survival in DBA/2J Mice vs. C57BL/6J Mice Infected with Influenza A Virus

Student Researcher(s): Sydney DeSimone, Ada Sinclair-Steele, Abigail Bergmark, Zac Claude

An Easily Imageable Localized Influenza Infection in Zebrafish Larvae

Student Researcher(s): Ben Curtis, Benjamin King

Investigating the Roles of Myeloperoxidase in Regulating the Inflammatory Response to Influenza A Virus Infection

Student Researcher(s): Lillian Campbell, Ben Curtis, Adeline Shanahan, Fiona Johnson

Determining How pak1 Reduces Hyperinflammation Caused by Influenza Infection

Student Researcher(s): Fiona Johnson, Brooke Jacomine, Ben Curtis

Topology to Targeting: Percolation to Identify Biologically Relevant Genes from Transcriptomic Data

Student Researcher(s): Eric Jestel

Dr. Melissa Maginnis Laboratory

Defining Cellular Mechanisms of JC Polyomavirus Entry and Infection in Primary Cell Models

Student Researcher(s): Gabriella Giftos, Sophie Craig

Characterizing Src in JC Polyomavirus Infection via Bosutinib Inhibition

Student Researcher(s): Joshua Hicks, James Feduccia

Genotype-Specific Binding Properties of BK Polyomavirus

Student Researcher(s): Luise Reinwald, Lara Kirkby, Sophie Craig, Kristina Kelly

A Novel Kidney Organoid Model for Polyomavirus Infection

Student Researcher(s): Sophie Craig, Orianna Goldberg, James Feduccia, Jasper Makowski

Investigating the Effect of Serotonin on JC Polyomavirus Infection

Student Researcher(s): Owen Axelson, Lucas Bennett

Defining the Role of Src and the MAPK Pathway During JCPyV Infection

Student Researcher(s): Abigail McNally, James Feduccia, Joshua Hicks, Melissa Maginnis

Determining the Pathway of BK Polyomavirus Entry into Human Kidney Cells Using Endocytosis Inhibitors

Student Researcher(s): Emma Nicholson, Gabriella Giftos, Sophie Craig

Investigating Histamine Receptor-Mediated Pathways to Inhibit JC Polyomavirus Infection

Student Researcher(s): Sydney Frazier

Inhibition of Src Kinase Reduces JC Polyomavirus Infection in Immortalized and Primary Astrocytes

Student Researcher(s): James Feduccia, Sophie E. Craig, Abigail McNally, Joshua Hicks

Hijacking a Common Regulatory Receptor: How JCPyV Utilizes Serotonin Type II Receptors for Its Own Gain

Student Researcher(s): Lucas Bennett, Kristina Kelly, Orianna Goldberg, Amanda Sandberg, Owen Axelson, Samuel Hess, Melissa Maginnis

Effects of Calcium and GPCR Inhibitor Drugs on BK Polyomavirus Infection in Kidney-Derived Cells

Student Researcher(s): Cintia Bukaka, Gary Au-Yeung, Abby Bouchard, Takashi Fasulo, Portia Gagnon, Addison Gambol, Grace Johnson, Meagan Libby, Lily Poulin, Marcus Russano, Liz Saavedra Perez, Morgan White, Gabriella Giftos, Sophie Craig

Defining the Role of Calcium Signaling in BK Polyomavirus Infection

Student Researcher(s): Jasper Makowski, Sophie Craig

Opening the Door: Histamine Receptor H1 Identified as a Potential Novel Entry Receptor for JC Polyomavirus

Student Researcher(s): Kristina Kelly, Lucas Bennett, Melissa Maginnis

Dr. Jared Talbot Laboratory

Independently Verifying Behavioral Compensation in Danio rerio Model of Muscle Disease

Student Researcher(s): Jesse Persons, Troy E. Hupper, Teresa E. Easterbrooks, Jared C. Talbot

Retinoic Acid Signaling Controls Muscle-Forming Cell Migration in Zebrafish

Student Researcher(s): Alexandra Myles, Jared Talbot, Teresa Easterbrooks

Dr. Karissa Tilbury Laboratory

Effect of Fibrinogen-Thrombin Hydrogel Stiffness and Osteogenic Media on Osteogenic Maturation of MC3T3-E1 Cells

Student Researcher(s): Autumn Greene, Jonathan Sawyer, Tyler Russell, Victoria Dungey, Savannah Connor-Schade

Effects of Media, Matrix Stiffness, and Dimensionality on Osteogenesis

Student Researcher(s): Lydia Bates, Jasmine Connor-Schade, Noah Cote, Madison Striegel

Collagen Hydrogel Contraction Caused by M1, M2 and M4 Breast Tissue Cell Lines

Student Researcher(s): Tyler Judd

Dr. Robert Wheeler Laboratory

Standardizing NanoLuc Luciferase Bioluminescence Assay for Candida albicans Growth

Student Researcher(s): Abby Bouchard, Gursimran Dhillon, Robert Wheeler, Lindsey Stover

Mechanisms of Bacterial-Drug Synergy Against Candida

Student Researcher(s): Allie Conner, Siham Hattab, Lindsey Stover, Robert Wheeler

Do Cross-Kingdom Interactions Affect Antibiotic Susceptibility in Cystic Fibrosis?

Student Researcher(s): Cameron Bains, Allie Conner, Robert Wheeler

Using Intravital Imaging in Zebrafish to Understand the Role CXCR1/2 Receptor-Signaling Plays in Phagocyte Activity During the Innate Immune Response to C. albicans Infection

Student Researcher(s): Nnamdi Baker

Investigating the Role of NMD5 in Cell Wall Structure and Host Immune Recognition in Candida albicans

Student Researcher(s): Noah Colby

This collection of student presentations reflects the continued impact of faculty mentorship and collaborative research opportunities supported through COBRE-affiliated laboratories at the 91����.

The post COBRE Faculty Mentor Student Posters appeared first on Center for Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE).

Disruptions in nucleolar organization have been linked to a range of diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, yet many of the biological mechanisms that govern this structure remain poorly understood. Spaulding’s research seeks to address these questions by examining how nucleolar organization varies across tissues and by using model organisms that enable scientists to observe cellular processes in living systems.

Support from Maine INBRE has played an important role in helping Spaulding establish her research program, acquire specialized equipment, and train early-career researchers. The new NIH funding will provide long-term stability as her lab continues investigating how cellular organization influences health and disease outcomes.

The post Maine INBRE Project Leader Emily Spaulding Awarded $2.3 Million NIH Grant appeared first on Center for Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE).

Zebrafish are widely used in scientific research because they share many genetic similarities with humans and allow researchers to observe developmental and regenerative processes in real time. The expanded facility at 91���� is strengthening the university’s ability to contribute to global research efforts, while also providing hands-on learning experiences for undergraduate and graduate students.

Current projects in the lab focus on understanding muscle development, cell movement, and the genetic mechanisms that influence tissue repair and regeneration. These efforts have the potential to inform new approaches to treating human diseases and improving long-term health outcomes.

The lab also plays an important role in outreach and workforce development by engaging students, supporting collaborative research initiatives, and helping to attract future scientists to the field.

Read the full Bangor Daily News story to learn more about the lab’s impact and ongoing research:

The post 91���� Zebrafish Research Lab Highlighted in Bangor Daily News appeared first on Center for Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE).

Understanding how the body repairs itself and why that ability declines with age is at the center of research led by Romain Madelaine, Ph.D., assistant professor at MDI Biological Laboratory. In a recent Q&A feature, Madelaine shares insights into how studying zebrafish regeneration may help scientists uncover new strategies to support human health.

Madelaine’s research focuses on the molecular signals that coordinate tissue repair and regeneration. Zebrafish have an extraordinary ability to regenerate organs such as the retina, heart, and spinal cord, making them a powerful model for understanding biological pathways that humans share but cannot fully activate. His laboratory investigates how hormonal signaling, vascular development, and neural processes work together as an interconnected system that supports successful regeneration in fish.

A key focus of the team’s work is understanding how regenerative capacity changes over time. Many of the mechanisms that support tissue repair in early life gradually decline with age. This contributes to muscle weakness, vision loss, and other age-related conditions. By studying hormones such as insulin and apelin, which help regulate stem cell activity, inflammation, and blood vessel growth, researchers aim to better understand how changes in signaling networks influence aging and tissue health.

The lab is also examining how communication between blood vessels and neural cells shapes regeneration. Findings suggest that this coordination may be essential for effective tissue repair and may help explain why regenerative processes weaken in aging mammals and in neurodegenerative diseases.

In addition to advancing scientific discovery, Madelaine emphasizes the importance of training future scientists. His team works with students at multiple levels, helping to build research capacity in regeneration biology and aging science.

By investigating how regenerative pathways function in zebrafish and how similar mechanisms operate in humans, this research supports long-term progress toward treating conditions such as macular degeneration and age-related muscle decline.

The post Faculty Q&A: Exploring Regeneration and Aging with Romain Madelaine, Ph.D. appeared first on Center for Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE).

The post ‘The Maine Question’ explores how zebrafish are used in research to improve human health appeared first on Center for Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE).

Cameron Bains is a third-year biochemistry major in the Honors College at 91����. During the 2025 Winter break, she took part in the Honors tutorial course held at the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory (MDIBL). This week-long course, The Molecular Mechanisms of Human Disease, offered a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in biomedical research. It was led by 91���� professors Dr. Benjamin King and Dr. Karissa Tilbury. Dr. King and Dr. Tilbury are project leader and pilot project leader for the COBRE grant.

Cameron shared some highlights of the course:

I first learned about the course through fellow students in the Molecular and Biomedical Sciences (MBMS) department, who spoke highly of how it shaped their research paths. I also saw it advertised in the Honors College Weekly Newsletter, and I was drawn to it not only because it aligned with my academic interests, but also because it fulfilled an Honors College tutorial requirement. The course was structured into two modules, with the class split into two groups rotating between the modules. Each group presented their findings after both rotations, then selected one topic for further exploration.

In the first module, led by Dr. King, we investigated how environmental factors affect the innate immune system. Specifically, we examined how arsenic exposure influences immune response in zebrafish infected with Influenza. Using RNA-sequencing data from Dr. King’s lab, we applied bioinformatics tools—including RStudio, Ensembl, and GOrilla—to analyze the relationship between arsenic exposure and innate immune function. The second module, taught by Dr. Tilbury and Dr. Frederic Bonnet, focused on advanced microscopy techniques. We learned how to capture high-quality images and use image analysis software to extract quantitative data.

For my final project, I chose to dive deeper into microscopy—something I had never used in my research due to uncertainty about image analysis. Our group explored the concept of “reverse thinking” in microscopy, and with guidance from Dr. Bonnet, we used Fiji and Imaris to analyze existing images and generate meaningful data. After the course concluded, we presented our work at the 91���� Student Symposium () and will be presenting at the Maine Biological and Medical Sciences Symposium (), showcasing everything we learned about microscopy and imaging.
I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity. The experience has strengthened both my technical skills and my confidence as a researcher. I look forward to applying what I’ve learned to my ongoing work on polymicrobial infections and beyond. I’m especially excited to incorporate microscopy into my own research, now that I know how to generate high-quality images and use proper image analysis tools. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. King, Dr. Tilbury, Dr. Bonnet, the team, and the 91���� Honors College for making this experience possible

The post Student Spotlight: Cameron Bains appeared first on Center for Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE).

NIH/NIGMS Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE grant P20GM144265) in Extracellular Regulation of Cellular Behavior 2025 Call for Pilot Projects.

Overview

This pilot project program will provide seed money for additional innovative research projects related to the theme of cellular signaling in response to extracellular cues. One Pilot project will be chosen for funding for one year. Pilot projects may be renewed through a competitive renewal process in the next year’s call for pilot projects. Funding of a pilot project will not exceed $70,000, project may be funded at lower level. In order to enhance the synergy between the COBRE grant and GSBSE, 91���� will provide a fully funded assistantship for one GSBSE student per pilot project. In addition, 91���� will waive tuition for all graduate students involved in pilot projects.

Eligibility

Investigators from 91���� and MDIBL will be eligible to apply. Projects involving early career faculty will be given highest priority.

• Eligible investigators must hold faculty appointment at 91���� or MDIBL
• 25% effort towards the pilot project is strongly encouraged, please include letter from department chair indicating effort is available
• Investigators with a RO1 or equivalent are not eligible
• Investigators will be asked to identify a mentor, include a letter of support from their mentor, and provide a mentoring plan

Criteria for funding through this program are:

• Pilot projects must be scientifically related to goals of this COBRE program or provide new technology or methodological development related to the imaging and data analysis core facility.
• Pilot projects will be collaborative, with a co-investigator structure to enhance scientific interaction.
• Pilot projects will have objectives that can be accomplished within one year, with defined and measurable milestones. Extension of pilot project funding may be considered, but will undergo a second review process that evaluates progress within the first year of funding.
• Budget for a one-year pilot project will not exceed $70,000 and may be less, depending on the scope of research.
• If projects utilize human subjects or vertebrate animals, prior appropriate training and institutional approvals through IRB or IACUC are required.
• Investigators are encouraged to use shared INBRE cores facilities and services at IDeA institutions in Maine https://maineinbre.org/research-resources/maine-regional-idea-shared-core-services-facilities/.

Evaluation

In addition to the standard overall evaluation that considers:

• Significance
• Innovation
• Investigator
• Approach
• Environment

Reviewers will use the above established review criteria for assessment:

• Relation to goals of this COBRE program or new technology or methodological development related to the imaging and data analysis core facility.
• Collaboration, with a co-investigator structure to enhance scientific interaction.
• Defined and measurable milestones including objectives that can be accomplished within one year.
• Prior appropriate training and institutional approvals through IRB or IACUC required for projects utilizing human subjects or vertebrate animals.

Key Dates

Due date extended to June 1, 2025

Please submit as single PDF document to umainecobre@maine.edu

Applications will be evaluated by the COBRE ERCB Steering Committee and considered for final approval by the COBRE – ERCB External Advisory Committee and NIGMS

Earliest Start Date Jul 1, 2025 **

Application Process

1. Project summary/abstract, relevance to health, list of key personnel
2. Detailed budget for the initial budget period
3. NIH-style biographical sketches for the PI, other key personnel, and the PI’s mentor 4. Facilities and other resources, equipment, and planned core facility use
4. Other Support (current and pending support)
5. Research Plan

Research Plan

• Specific Aims – 1 page
• Research plan (no more than 5 pages overall)
  • Significance – In addition to overall significance, include a description of the relevance of the proposed work to extracellular regulation of cell behavior
  • Innovation
  • Research Approach
  • Future Directions: Include a proposed plan for future funding. As the purpose of this pilot project grant is to promote career development and future funding, please clearly state the intended grant submissions.
• References (not included in the page limits for the research plan)
• Mentorship/career development plan (recommended, not more than 1 page) This is additional space for the investigators to carefully consider how the proposed research fits into their research goals, the mentoring needed for this to happen, and how they will obtain said mentoring.
• Human subjects if applicable (indicate IRB approval status)
• Vertebrate animals if applicable (indicate IACUC approval status)
• Biosafety/select agents if applicable (indicate IBC approval status)
• Letter from department chair: This letter should highlight the potential of the applicant for a successful career in biomedical research and detail the percent time available to be devoted to this project (ideally 25%).
• Letter from mentor: This letter should affirm the willingness of the mentor to meet with the mentee monthly and aid the mentee in their research program.
• Budget
  • May include support for research personnel, animal care, supplies, core services, publication costs, travel to one meeting a year, and other justifiable direct costs.

Progress Reports will be required in October 2026 and will include research progress, presentation, grant submission, and manuscripts submitted.

Awardees of the funds will be expected to:

• Participate in monthly COBRE professional development meetings
• Participate in a grant writing workshop
• Document monthly interaction with mentors
• Participate in weekly meetings with Clarissa Henry (COBRE PI)

** Disbursement of funds dependent upon receiving the Notice of Award for year 3 of the COBRE.

The post Call for COBRE Pilot Project appeared first on Center for Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE).

On behalf of the Graduate Executive Committee, the Graduate School announced the recipients and alternates for the Janet Waldron Doctoral Research Fellowships and George Davis Chase Distinguished Research Assistantships for AY 2025-26.  Congratulations to all the recipients as well as all the outstanding graduate students who were nominated for these awards.  Two students supported by the COBRE grant were recognized:

Jordan Miner – Biomedical Engineering, received the Janet Waldron Doctoral Research Fellowship.  The Janet Waldron Doctoral Research Fellowship (JWDRF) is open to all doctoral students, regardless of discipline and is designed to stimulate research and scholarship at 91���� as measured by research productivity and doctoral-degree graduation rate.

Jordan Miner is a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in Biomedical Engineering in the Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering (GSBSE) at the 91����. She is co-advised by Drs. Karissa Tilbury and Andre Khalil and her research is focused on breast cancer. Early detection of breast cancer improves patient survival. However, how quick a tumor will progress is clinically very difficult to predict leading to the standard of care being a mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery. Therefore, there is a need to develop cancer progression biomarkers to differentiate low- versus high-risk early-stage tumors. Cell surface receptors known as integrins play a crucial role in cancer cell migration. Her hypothesis is that by understanding which integrins are more active in breast cancer progression could lead to the development of novel biomarkers. To study this, Jordan has been developing 3D breast cancer models of cell lines at different stages of breast cancer progression and reducing the expression levels of key integrins to study their impact on cancer cell migration. Preliminary trials demonstrate promising results with at least one of the integrins studied thus far. “I am very excited to continue this research under the support of the Janet Waldron Doctoral Research Fellowship”, says Jordan. 

Jordan is in her second semester collaborating with her mentor and advisor Karissa Tilbury, Ph.D., on a COBRE Pilot Project: Determining the Role of α11β1 Collagen Binding Integrins in the Progression of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) to Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC).  “The COBRE grant has been instrumental in my research project as well as my professional development. Not only has it provided financial support for myself and the supplies of the project, but it has also allowed me to take French courses to strengthen my application to continue my dissertation in Lyon, France this fall.” We wish Jordan the best on her pending applications to study at the Cancer Research Center of Lyon ().

Allie Conner – Microbiology, is a First alternate for the Chase Distinguished Research Assistantship. These awards are made on a competitive basis and involve nomination by the department of study and submission of a research proposal delineating the research to be undertaken.
Allie, a PhD student in Microbiology, is a member of the Wheeler lab, Microscopy and Image Analysis Core (MIAC) for the COBRE grant.  

The post Students Spotlight: COBRE graduate students receive awards appeared first on Center for Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE).