Research Cores play a pivotal role in the NIEHS Center. They integrate and promote high-quality research, develop innovative new research initiatives, foster interactions and collaborations among Center Investigators, and contribute to the multidisciplinary environment. The science performed in these Cores relies heavily on timely provision of state-of-the-art services by the Service Cores. The Research Cores also provide the scientific underpinning to the activities of the COEP.

The overarching theme of the UTMB NIEHS Center is the role of oxidative stress in mediating the health effects of exposure to environmental factors. Investigators in the four Research Cores study the mechanisms by which reactive oxygen species are produced and detoxified (Biotransformation Research Core), modulate signaling pathways (Oxidative Stress and Signaling Research Core), damage DNA (DNA Repair and Mutagenesis Research Core), and are involved in the etiology of Asthma (Asthma Pathogenesis Research Core). Each Center Investigator belongs to one distinct core. In addition to serving as the focal point for research activities, Research Cores provide the basis for establishing and evolving the Service Cores most crucial to the overall mission of the NIEHS Center. As will be evident from the individual descriptions of the Research Cores in the links above and below, the Service Cores have been instrumental in much of the progress of the Center and are very responsive to the needs of Center Investigators for new technologies such as genomics and proteomics. In the future, the Research Cores will continue to serve as a primary mechanism for ensuring that the Service Cores meet the changing needs of Center Investigators.