Objectives/Goals: Lung transplant is a life-saving surgery for patients with advanced lung diseases yet long-term survival remains poor. The clinical features and lung injury patterns of lung transplant recipients who die early versus those who survive longer term remain undefined. Here, we use cell-free DNA and rejection parameters to help elucidate this further. Methods/Study Population: Lung transplant candidacy prioritizes patients who have a high mortality risk within 2 years and will likely survive beyond 5 years. We stratified patients who died within 2 years of transplant as early death (n = 50) and those who survived past 5 years as long-term survivors (n = 53). Lung transplant recipients had serial blood collected as part of two prospective cohort studies. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) was quantified using relative (% donor-derived cfDNA {%ddcfDNA}) and absolute (nuclear-derived {n-cfDNA}, mitochondrial-derived {mt-cfDNA}) measurements. As part of routine posttransplant clinical care, all patients underwent pulmonary function testing (PFT), surveillance bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), transbronchial biopsy (TBBx), and donor-specific antibody testing (DSA). Results/Anticipated Results: Over the first 2 years after transplant, the number of episodes of antibody-mediated rejection (p) Discussion/Significance of Impact: Clinically, early-death patients perform worse on routine surveillance PFTs and experience a worse degree of CLAD. These patients also have higher levels of cfDNA as quantified by n-cfDNA and mt-cfDNA. These results provide preliminary evidence that early-death patients have worse allograft rejection, dysfunction, and molecular injury.

Objectives/Goals: Sexual minority populations (SMPs), including lesbian, gay, and bisexual groups, disproportionately encounter discriminatory experiences due to bi/homonegativity and systemic inequities across various social domains. We aim to understand how the neighborhood-level stressors and resilience sources differed across specific groups in SMPs. Methods/Study Population: Utilizing the NIH All of Us’ cloud-based platform, we selected cohorts self-identifying as gay (n  =  9,454), bisexual (n  =  15,284), lesbian (n = 5267), or straight (n  =  349,748). We explored multiple key measures of neighborhood-level stressors (e.g., neighborhood disorder, neighborhood cohesion, and environment index) and resilience sources (e.g., neighbor cohesion, social support), and other factors (e.g., food insecurity, housing insecurity, and housing instability) by their sexual orientations using analysis of variance or Chi-square analyses. Results/Anticipated Results: Our sample comprised 60.8% females and 37.5% males identifying as non-binary or transgender, with an average age of 55.6 years (SD  =  17.1). The racial composition was 56.0% White, 19.4% Black, 18.7% Hispanic, and 5.9% others (e.g., Asian, multiracial). Compared to straight individuals, SMPs reported high neighborhood stressors (e.g., disorder, worse environment) but lower neighborhood-level resilience sources (e.g., social support, cohesion). In addition, bisexual groups reported highest prevalence of housing insecurity (6.7% vs. 2.3%), housing instability (36.0% vs. 19.6%), and food insecurity (26.57% vs. 12.21%). Discussion/Significance of Impact: SMPs, particularly bisexual individuals, face greater neighborhood stressors and fewer resilience sources than their straight counterparts. These findings call for targeted interventions to address these disparities and promote health equity, using large-scale datasets to inform community-based solutions.

Objectives/Goals: To determine the role of carcinoembryonic antigen cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6) in signaling cascade and interaction with other cell surface proteins in human epithelial solid tumors such pancreatic adenocarcinoma and colon cancer Methods/Study Population: In this study, we employed three-dimensional (3D) tumor models to replicate the in vivo tumor microenvironment better, allowing for a more accurate assessment of cellular responses compared to traditional two-dimensional (2D) cultures. We used immunoprecipitate to pull down the CEACAM6 protein and investigate the integrins expression level. Results/Anticipated Results: The expression and functional activity of CEACAM6 are susceptible to modulation by various surface proteins, leading to notable alterations in cellular behavior. Integrins, particularly Integrin B4, are one such protein whose expression is influenced by CEACAM6-mediated intracellular signaling cascades, suggesting a complex interplay that enhances CEACAM6 activation.The 3D models facilitate cell–cell interactions, enabling tumor cells to proliferate and undergo metabolic changes that reflect actual tumor biology. Thereby enhancing the relevance of crosstalk between CEACAM6 and integrins. These findings underscore the potential of CEACAM6 as a promising therapeutic target. They reveal a molecular mechanism that could inform the development of innovative therapeutic strategies in cancer. Discussion/Significance of Impact: These findings underscore the potential of CEACAM6 as a promising therapeutic target, revealing a novel molecular mechanism that could inform the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for pancreatic and colon cancer and potentially other malignancies.

Objectives/Goals: The neighborhoods children grow up in are critical drivers of social, emotional, and cognitive development. This study utilized factor scores of environment, education, and socioeconomic variables in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD) and its association with cognitive functioning in youth. Methods/Study Population: This study used ABCD (n  =  9,543) linked external data, cognitive performance, and self-reported data from youth (ages 9–10) and their caregivers. We utilized four factor scores of the Child Opportunity Index 2.0 (COI), including socioeconomic attainment, poverty, neighborhood enrichment, and child education. Furthermore, this study investigated the association between the COI factors and youth cognitive functioning via the NIH Toolbox. Covariates included age, sex, county level crime rates, perceptions of neighborhood threat, parent education, and family income; site and family relationship were held as random effects. Results/Anticipated Results: Increased Socioeconomic Attainment and Child Education factor scores were distinctly associated with increased cognitive performance across all subscales and composite scores that include aspects of overall cognitive ability, executive functioning, and learning and memory. Increased poverty factor scores were significantly associated with decreased cognitive performance across all substances and composite scores. Finally, increased neighborhood enrichment factor scores were significantly associated with increased oral reading recognition task scores only and no other cognitive task. Discussion/Significance of Impact: Findings suggest distinct dimensions of neighborhood opportunity associated with aspects of cognition. The present study can help to inform public health efforts and policy on improving modifiable built and natural environmental structures that may aid in supporting cognitive development.

Objectives/Goals: This study aims to explore the relationship between plasma biomarkers (GFAP, NF-L, and IL-1β) and cognitive impairment in moderate to severe TBI patients. We will assess biomarker levels and their link to neurocognitive outcomes at acute and chronic stages of injury. Methods/Study Population: We will recruit 100 patients aged 21 years and older with moderate to severe TBI (Glasgow Coma Score 3–12) from a trauma hospital. Blood samples will be collected at 24–72 hours post-injury and again at 3 and 6 months. Plasma levels of GFAP, NF-L, and IL-1β will be measured using multiplex ELISA. Neurocognitive tests will be administered at 3 and 6 months to assess cognitive function. Correlations will be made between biomarker levels, neurocognitive performance, and disability scores (Disability Rating Scale and Glasgow Outcome Scale). Exosome isolation from plasma will allow for detailed analysis of astrocyte-derived biomarkers and their association with long-term cognitive impairment and recovery. Results/Anticipated Results: We anticipate that plasma levels of GFAP, NF-L, and IL-1β will be elevated in the acute phase of moderate to severe TBI and will correlate with injury severity. At 3 and 6 months, higher levels of IL-1β, in particular, are expected to be strongly associated with cognitive deficits. We also anticipate that biomarkers in astrocyte-derived exosomes will provide more specific insights into long-term neuroinflammation and its impact on cognitive function. These findings could pave the way for targeted, personalized interventions to improve recovery in TBI patients. Discussion/Significance of Impact: This research focuses on inflammation’s role in cognitive impairment and disability in TBI patients. We propose using multiple biomarkers – GFAP, IL-1β, NF-L – paired with advanced techniques like exosomes and multiplex analyses to identify novel therapeutic targets, aiming for personalized treatment strategies, as well as prognosis.

Objectives/Goals: Community engagement is critical to promoting equity for those affected by clinical and translational research. Despite its importance, investigators rarely involve community stakeholders in ancillary projects such as secondary analyses. I use a study example to demonstrate how to meaningfully partner with communities in ancillary research. Methods/Study Population: Using data collected in a previous study, the aim of this secondary analysis was to examine whether pregnant women’s reports of social adversity during the third trimester were associated with their infant’s resting cortisol level at 1, 6, and 12 months of age. Community engagement at the study design phase included consultation with an institutional Community Advisory Board (CAB) whose expertise included lived experiences relevant to the context of the study (i.e., social adversity and pregnancy). Community engagement at the analysis and dissemination stage included deeper collaboration with three community research consultants (CRCs) from the CAB; all identified as women of color and mothers with relevant lived experiences. CRCs received compensation for time and effort and an invitation for co-authorship. Results/Anticipated Results: Consultations included written review as well as a live presentation and discussion with the CAB for feedback on the study proposal prior to submission for IRB approval. The focus of discussion was around the use of inclusive terminology and ensuring respectful and equitable representation of all participants in the original study, including those who reported experiences with social adversity during pregnancy. After receiving study approval, statistical analyses were finalized and CRCs actively engaged in discussions with the PI around the interpretation of results. CRCs significantly contributed to the development of solutions-oriented implications for practice, policy, and future research. All CRCs were co-authors on the study manuscript that was published in a top-tier international journal. Discussion/Significance of Impact: Community engagement in ancillary research is feasible and essential. True equitable collaboration requires partnership during all study activities, including critical phases (e.g., developing aims, data analysis). Researchers also should prioritize the use of datasets from studies that incorporated community partnership and engagement.

Objectives/Goals: MyCTSC harmonizes data from many sources into one database for evaluation, marketing, and CTSC member management to address current disparate collection and siloed use of data. It simplifies report creation with real-time dashboards so administrators and leadership can view progress quickly and plan for improvements based on real-time data. Methods/Study Population: MyCTSC is built using open-source software like Python, Django, MariaDB, Bootstrap, and Chart.js, and integrates data from sources such as systems for consult requests, pilot/voucher applications, and REDCap surveys. Each data source is imported into the warehouse either automatically via API, if available, or via manual file upload. De-duplication and other data cleaning are performed as well. Customized, real-time dashboards are developed based on the needs of administrators and leadership. While MyCTSC does not have a study population, it does have the stakeholders mentioned above as well as leadership. The development timeline spans three years: initial development and data warehouse population in Year 1, data cleaning and dashboard creation in Year 2, and full rollout to all CTSC members in Year 3. Results/Anticipated Results: MyCTSC aims to create a seamless data and member management system to resolve issues stemming from multiple data sources. Demographic challenges are addressed by implementing data cleaning and consolidating duplicate identities into a single profile. The initiative will enhance stakeholder buy-in by presenting evaluation use cases that show the impacts of CTSC resources. For example, workforce development needs will be met through surveys and integration of a course catalog. MyCTSC will also facilitate targeted resource and event advertising, and support investigator outreach and collaboration by utilizing dashboards and reports. Furthermore, it will serve as the consolidated data source for all CTSC modules, promoting greater interaction and collaboration across administration and modules. Discussion/Significance of Impact: MyCTSC integrates multiple sources, consolidates identities, and simplifies reporting for outreach and collaboration. It enhances interaction with researchers and community members, advancing translational science by linking projects and publications. MyCTSC, built with open-source software, can be made available to other CTSA hubs.

Objectives/Goals: The National Research Mentoring Network Coordination Center (NRMN CC) received funding from NIH to create an Online Community of Practice (OCoP) for Research Managers (RM). These RM contributed to advancing the research on the science of mentorship in STEMM. In a Proof of Concept, RM explored various aspects of their mentorship research support work. Methods/Study Population: An OCoP met 18 times across the 5-year grant to share experiences working to advance the science of mentorship in STEMM. Topics, frequency, and length of meetings were selected based upon several needs assessments surveys from the RM community. RM were invited to join the OCoP based on their roles as the point people for administrative activities in research projects (e.g., finances, budgets, training, and project management). RM often supervised staff, collected data, monitored IRB protocol compliance, and conducted research. RM played a pivotal role in the gathering and sharing of common measures across the 11 U01 studies to allow for greater confidence in research findings on mentorship (McConnell, 2021). Results/Anticipated Results: Our primary goal was to provide a supportive community for RM contributing to mentorship research and data sharing. The results from several needs assessments exemplified a request for this support from the community to engage in an OCoP focused on their professional development. Therefore, the OCoP served as a starting point to explore the duties, functions, roles and responsibilities of RM, and extended into providing professional development. Although the number of RM attending decreased as the grant entered the no-cost extension phase, a subgroup of RM expressed interest in continuing the OCoP to focus on dissemination of research findings, further supporting the need for this community. Discussion/Significance of Impact: RM supported 11 research projects and contributed to the data collection for over 6,000 participants. Few opportunities exist to create an OCoP for large scale data collection on experiences with mentorship in STEMM. RM were pivotal in their role with the NRMN to enhance the training and career development of individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Objectives/Goals: Planning research studies can be daunting for early-career investigators. The UW Madison Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR) has many services to assist, but navigating them can be convoluted. Therefore, we developed a method to streamline services for investigators. Methods/Study Population: Investigators were reaching out to ICTR research support services for assistance in the wrong order, delaying their study progress. To streamline ICTR services and improve investigator support, we developed the ICTR COllaborative Network (ICON) that meets weekly to discuss investigator needs and how best ICTR services can assist them. This group consists of members from ICTR’s Research and Protocol Development Program, the Recruitment and Retention Resource Center, and the Collaborative Center for Health Equity. After discussion and decision-making, a member of the group schedules a studio, bringing key services together at one time to help investigators more efficiently. Results/Anticipated Results: The group has worked with 22 investigators, decreasing the time to study implementation. One investigator indicated ICON saved her team over four months of work. Other investigators indicated the assistance with finding community partners and collaborators was essential to their success. We expect ICON, with its goal to streamline regulatory submissions and study planning, will continue to help investigators improve organization during study start up and execution, while enhancing recruitment strategies. This will result in quicker study completion and the capability to move forward with future projects and grant submissions. Discussion/Significance of Impact: ICON streamlined the consult process, improved efficiency of study planning, and brought together various experts for studio meetings with investigators. This efficient method can improve study function and execution for early-career investigators resulting in improved study success.

Objectives/Goals: To fully understand the scientific objectives, overall financial commitment, and outcome of the pilot projects. Methods/Study Population: We evaluated pilots reported in the in the annual, interim, and final Research Performance Progress Reports (RPPRs) for Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program UM1 and UL1 grants from FYs 2021–2023 to assess research categories across the translational science spectrum. We analyzed the number of pilots involving human subjects, vertebrate animals, both, or neither; financial allocations; publication outputs; and other characteristics. Pilots reported across multiple years were deduplicated and assigned to the latest reporting year. Each pilot was classified into broad (Category 1) and specific (Category 2) areas. Descriptive statistics, including means and frequency distributions, were generated. Multi-year pilots with NA or 0 values used the most recent prior value. Results/Anticipated Results: In the period from FY 2021 to 2023, 61 hubs reported 1,811 unique pilot projects in their RPPRs, receiving a total of approximately $62 million, of which two-thirds were expended. On average, each hub conducted 30 pilots with an award size of about $35K. Just over half of the pilots involved human subjects research (HSR), while about one-third were neither HSR nor vertebrate animal studies (VAS), with the remaining focused primarily on VAS. Notably, only 13% of pilots resulted in peer-reviewed publications. Collaborative efforts were observed in one-third of the projects. The majority of pilots fell into Preclinical Research (46%), followed by Clinical Research (33%) and Public Health (20%). Limitations in data quality were identified, and ten pilots reported $0 awarded funds, which may be captured in future RPPRs. Discussion/Significance of Impact: Analysis of pilots reported in RPPRs from FYs 2021–2023 across 61 hubs shows a strong focus on HSR, highlighting collaborative efforts that enhance translational science and align with CTSA goals. Future analysis will help assess the pilots’ impact and their alignment with NCATS’ mission to expedite research translation into health solutions.