primary_duns:
965088057
cite this facility
Allexa Burger
0000-0001-5658-3928The Microbial, Genomic, and Arthropod Laboratory (MGAL) at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa is a centralized molecular and analytical core that provides full service genomic library preparation, high-throughput DNA/RNA extractions, small molecule analysis, and routine isolation and storage of microbial strains. We specialize in environmental samples and offer low-cost fees for training and walk-in instrument use. We also function as a bio-repository of experimental arthropod models including Drosophila and other endemic insects.
is_active:
Yesbudget_end:
01/31/2027date_added:
02/07/2026agency_code:
NIHfiscal_year:
2026project_num:
5P20GM139753-05award_amount:
$2,136,244.00budget_start:
02/01/2026org_name:
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOAorg_state:
HIorg_country:
UNITED STATESorg_zipcode:
968222234primary_duns:
965088057abstract_text:
PROJECT SUMMARY Precision nutrition is a new and now integral component of precision medicine that exploits differences in how dietary components are absorbed, metabolized and converted to energy, and in how that energy is utilized, resulting in widely varying dietary and nutrient requirements. In Hawaii, culture and customs influence dietary preferences and economic disparities affect food access, further amplifying differences in nutritional needs and individual responses to dietary components. Recognizing the innovative new opportunities available through precision nutrition approaches, and the transformative potential for impactful nutritional health benefits, particularly to the indigenous and underserved people of Hawaii, the University of Hawaii proposes to establish a multicomponent center that enables multidisciplinary research with the thematic focus of Precision Nutrition. The overall goal of this Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) Phase I proposal is the creation of an Integrative Center for Precision Nutrition and Human Health at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa (UHM), ‘integrative’ in that it will encompass the interface between precision nutrition research and human health outcomes. Our objectives are to build the foundation needed to grow a cadre of future leaders and mentors in precision nutrition, the fruits of their efforts feeding the attainment of positive impacts on human health, and to broadly disseminate and implement healthful strategies and interventions, nourishing the sustainability of this Precision Nutrition COBRE. The overall goal of creating a Precision Nutrition COBRE that fosters excellence in research, career development, and community health, will be achieved through the following three Specific Aims: Aim 1: To create an Integrative Center for Precision Nutrition and Human Health founded on impactful, scientifically rigorous research, education and training; built around a cadre of promising future scientific leaders; and fostered by outstanding individually-crafted, team-facilitated mentoring and career development activities. Aim 2: To provide research investigators education and training in cutting edge technologies and access to state-of-the-art research Core Facilities, integrating these resources with other research and training programs and facilities at UH, with community-based research in Hawaii, and with the IDeA network across the nation. Aim 3: To promote development of strong collaborative relationships between academic researchers and the community, based on culturally sensitive approaches, with the goal of achieving tangible health benefits for all. Through the combined efforts of Precision Nutrition COBRE researchers and our community partners, with the guidance of the Community Engagement and Outreach Core, we will collaboratively advance precision nutrition, share and disseminate beneficial and healthful strategies and interventions and positive outcomes throughout the community, the State and beyond. The long term goal of the Center is to promote health through the advantages of precision nutrition, implemented across the community and beyond, thereby producing lasting, far-reaching positive impacts on human health.project_title:
Integrative Center for Precision Nutrition and Human Healthcontact_pi_name:
BERRY, MARLA Jtotal_cost:
$2,136,244.00is_active:
Yesbudget_end:
07/31/2026date_added:
08/23/2025agency_code:
NIHfiscal_year:
2025project_num:
5P20GM125508-08award_amount:
$131,125.00budget_start:
08/01/2025org_name:
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOAorg_state:
HIorg_country:
UNITED STATESorg_zipcode:
968222234primary_duns:
965088057abstract_text:
PROJECT SUMMARY – Microbial Genomics and Analytical Laboratory (MGAL) The Microbial Genomics and Analytical Laboratory (MGAL) Core of the Integrative Center for Environmental Microbiomes and Human Health provides a centralized facility and technical expertise at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM) to support the study of the interface between the microbial environment and human health. The characterization of microbiota community composition by high throughput sequencing and metabolite analysis are standard techniques used in the field of microbiome research. The MGAL Core enables access to these key methods by providing the following: (i) services for the preparation of genomic libraries and quantification of gene expression; (ii) high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry instrumentation for the analysis of lipids and metabolites; and (iii) facilities for the cultivation, isolation, and long-term storage of microbial strains. To expand Core capabilities and user base while continuing to support current and past COBRE researchers, MGAL services will be expanded to include metagenomic and transcriptomic library preparation, metabolomic analysis, and enhanced microbial biobanking facilities that will include the creation of a community searchable database containing information about endemic Hawaiian strains. The MGAL Core is available to researchers throughout the state of Hawai'i and visiting scientists, thus encouraging greater interaction within the local microbiome research community and seeding collaborative efforts from abroad. The facility will beneficially impact COBRE investigators and affiliates by providing essential infrastructure and expertise to advance research and foster the careers of junior faculty. Moreover, the Core will support the continued growth of UHM as a major center for microbiome studies in the Pacific Region by providing hands-on training in library preparation and metabolite analysis, hosting summer workshops on fundamental microbiome research methods, integrating with undergraduate and graduate laboratory classes, and facilitating outreach efforts to characterize Hawai'i’s microbiome.project_title:
Microbial Genomics and Analytical Laboratory (MGAL) Corecontact_pi_name:
YEW, JOANNE Ytotal_cost:
$131,125.00is_active:
Yesbudget_end:
07/31/2026date_added:
08/23/2025agency_code:
NIHfiscal_year:
2025project_num:
5P20GM125508-08award_amount:
$131,122.00budget_start:
08/01/2025org_name:
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOAorg_state:
HIorg_country:
UNITED STATESorg_zipcode:
968222234primary_duns:
965088057abstract_text:
PROJECT SUMMARY - Insectary for Scientific Training and Advances in Research (InSTAR) Invertebrates provide excellent model systems to study the interactions between hosts and their microbiota. These invertebrate models advance our understanding of the impact of microbial symbionts on host development, metabolism, immune function, and overall system health, and produce generalizable information that informs human health. In addition, the symbiotic microbes of invertebrates have direct impacts on public health as microbial symbionts influence the survival, development, cellular function, and immunity of pest species and disease vectors that contribute significantly to the global public health burden. The central objective of this proposal is to further develop a core facility that will enable the use of arthropods to study the environmental microbiome at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. During Phase 1, the InSTAR established a unique collection of laboratory colonies for medically relevant mosquito vectors and Hawaiian Drosophila species, and established the only BSL-2/ACL-2 space to work with potentially dangerous insects in a laboratory setting in the state of Hawai‘i. The core also provided critical infrastructure for three former RPLs, and continues to support the independent research programs for two of those RPLs. During the next cycle of this CoBRE award, the InSTAR will i) provide infrastructure to support the research of two new Phase II RPLs, ii) establish a greater diversity of insect models in colony, with a special focus on Hawaiian Drosophila sp., iii) establish space to utilize for rearing only to allow a greater diversity of research activities in the non-rearing sections of the InSTAR core, and iv) coordinate with State, Federal, and academic groups to expand the InSTAR’s user base. Over the long term, the core will continue to facilitate medical entomology in the State of Hawai‘i, increasing the capacity to respond to public health threats imposed by invertebrates. In addition, it will promote research toward developing new model systems focusing on unique native Hawaiian invertebrate species, and serve as a resource that facilitates access to Hawaii‘s unique biodiversity to the global research community.project_title:
Insectary for Scientific Training and Advances in Research (InSTAR) Corecontact_pi_name:
COUVILLON, PATRICIA Atotal_cost:
$131,122.00Services are offerred outside of
Consulting is offerred outside of University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Last Updated: 07/20/2026
