ADDICTIVE DISORDERS

Other index term: HIV/AIDS
Titles: Pre-Application for the 2009 NIDA Avant-Garde Award Program for HIV/AIDS Research (X02), 2009 NIDA Avant-Garde Award Program for HIV/AIDS Research (DP1)
Agency: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
LOI Deadline: Not applicable
Application Deadlines: February 27, 2009 (X02); June 2, 2009 (DP1)
CFDA Number: 93.279
PAR Identifications: PAR-09-044; RFA-DA-09-011
Links: grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-09-044.html (X02)
grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-09-011.html (DP1)

The NIDA Avant-Garde Award Program for HIV/AIDS Research is meant to complement NIDA’s traditional investigator-initiated grant programs by supporting individual scientists of exceptional creativity who propose high-impact research that will open new avenues for prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS among drug abusers.

The term “avant-garde” is used to describe highly innovative approaches that have the potential to be transformative— open new areas of research or lead to new avenues of treatment and prevention for HIV/AIDS among drug abusers.  The proposed research should reflect ideas substantially different from those already being pursued by the investigator or others. The research proposed must be in an area described in the Trans – NIH Plan for HIV-Related Research (http://www.oar.nih.gov/strategicplan/fy2009/index.asp).

• The purpose of this FOA is to solicit applications for the Avant-Garde Award.  The X02 application will be reviewed by external reviewers to identify the most outstanding applications (applications from individuals of exceptional creativity who propose highly significant and innovative projects that are not appropriate for traditional grant mechanisms). Those investigators whose submissions are judged to be the most outstanding will be notified of the opportunity to submit full applications under RFA-DA-09-011. All awards will be made under RFA-DA-09-011.  No awards will be made under this announcement.  For additional information, consult the FAQs at http://nida.nih.gov/avgp2009/FAQ.pdf
• Mechanism of Support.  This announcement utilizes the X02 mechanism for submission and consideration of applications. Applications are a necessary first step in applying for a 2009 Avant-Garde Award. 

Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards.  No awards will be made under this announcement.  Through the associated FOA (RFA-DA-09-011), NIDA expects to commit approximately $ 2 million per year for 5 years to fund 2-3 awards.

AGING

Other index terms: Behavioral Sciences & Mental Health, Clinical & Translational Research, Neurosciences

Title: Vulnerable Dendrites and Synapses in Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease (R01)
Agency: National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Application Deadline: Standard dates apply, please see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm
CFDA Number: 93.866
PA Identification: PA-09-061
Link: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-09-061.html

Purpose. This FOA issued by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) invites applications for the study of factors regulating neuroplasticity with a particular emphasis on the age-dependent changes in the functions of dendrites, spines and synapses of key cell types in regions of brain especially vulnerable in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and in models (in vitro and in vivo) of aging and of AD.   Neuroplasticity refers to the changes in both structure and function of the brain that occur in response to experiential stimuli.  This ability of the brain to reorganize itself is critical both in normal development and learning, and it is no less important in aging and neurodegenerative disorders.

The decline of cognitive functions in aging and disease, especially those functions that rely upon the medial temporal lobe and prefrontal cortex, appears to stem, at least in part, from selective changes in synaptic function and integrity.  This initiative solicits research to investigate the factors regulating synaptic plasticity and dysfunction and selective neuronal vulnerability with aging and in certain neurodegenerative disorders such as AD using in vitro and in vivo models.

Potential research topics include the following subjects, but research grant applications received in response to this announcement need not be limited to these subjects. It should be emphasized that in most of the suggestions below, applications responsive to the FOA could involve a focus on either aging or Alzheimer’s disease (or both).

• Are there differences in how specific synapse types in particular brain regions are affected by aging or AD? If so, what are the mechanisms involved?
• Identify the roles of neurotrophic growth factors, cytokines, other diffusible ligands, NMDA, and metabotropic glutamate receptors on selective vulnerability and protein synthesis; e.g  mTOR kinase/NMDA-receptor -mediated inhibition of translation.
• Investigate the structural and molecular plasticity of synapses, spines and dendrites in animal models of aging or relevant proteinopathies (e.g., amyloid, tau, synuclein etc.).
• Investigate protein sorting, trafficking and transport to dendritic spines.
• Investigate the role of changes in tau localization and structure in selective synapse dysfunction and loss and the mechanisms involved.
• Determine the role of oligomeric forms of Ab on selective synapse dysfunction and loss and the mechanisms involved.
• Does synaptic protein synthesis and degradation in vitro respond dynamically to acute changes in synaptic input in adult or aged synapses or animal models of AD, in effect serving to maintain synaptic connections?
• What is the in vivo protein translational capacity of the aged synapse; and what functions of the repertoire of synapse proteins are compromised with age or in AD?
• If synaptic spines are preserved following Ab immunotherapy, is local protein expression modified?
• Determine the role, if any, of transient receptor potential (TRP) channel family members and other ion channels in the function or loss of central cholinergic synapses in both aging and neurodegenerative disease models.
• Identify in aged or AD animal models the role of major histocompatibility complex molecules for activity-dependent structural remodeling of neural circuits involved in learning and memory.
• Determine using tissue slices or in vivo approaches what regulates the formation and stability of nascent dendritic branches in the aging brain or in models of Alzheimer disease.
• Identify age or AD-related changes in the patterns of protein expression in synapses, spines or dendrites especially those related to AMPA and NMDA receptor subunit proteins.
• Using RNAi/shRNA transfection to transiently knock down synaptic RNAs, determine what level of mRNA is necessary to generate biologically significant amounts of protein localized to dendrites/spines.
• Investigate the role of microRNA-regulated pathways and other non-coding RNAs in synaptic protein homeostasis, especially in the modulation of target genes.
• Develop long-term gene expression strategies using viral vectors combined with in vivo imaging to study the influence of AD-like changes on synapse physiology.
• Investigate protein synthesis, proteasome activity and the regulation of mRNA translation at the synapse and/or by synaptic activity.
• In transgenic models of AD, determine if there is an impact of apolipoprotein E allelic isoforms on synaptic function or loss.
• Identify the role of glial cells in synapse formation and maintenance in aging.
• Identify factors secreted by non-neuronal cells, especially astrocytes, which promote synapse formation and may regulate pre- and post- synaptic function.

 

 

Title: Partnering Awards to Support Collaborative Research on the Biology of Aging (R01)
Agency: National Institute on Aging (NIA)
LOI Deadline: February 10, 2009
Application Deadline: March 10, 2009
RFA Identification: RFA-AG-09-011
CFDA Number: 93.866
Link: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AG-09-011.html 

This FOA issued by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), National Institutes of Health (NIH) solicits three year Research Project Grant (R01) applications from research partners in the United States (U.S.) and the United Kingdom (U.K.) to support collaborative research projects focused on understanding the biology of aging.  Only applications to support true collaborative research projects under the direction of one U.S. and one U.K. scientist are eligible for this FOA.  This program includes funds to support the international travel of research partners between their U.S. and U.K. laboratories to enhance research training and collaborations.  In addition, funds to allow all grantees in the program to participate in annual meetings to promote scientific interaction and discuss recent scientific advances in aging biology will be permitted.  Funds to support yearly grantee meetings will be organized and coordinated by NIA staff in the U.S. and Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) staff (http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/) in the U.K.

Examples of high priority areas of basic research studies encouraged by this FOA, include, but are not limited to the following:

• Epigenetics/Epigenomics of Aging
• Biology of Adult Stem Cells and Tissue Regeneration in Aged Organisms
• Genetic/Molecular Basis of Aging and Longevity
• Immunobiology and Immunosenescence
• Cellular Senescence in vivo and Biological Consequences
• Biological Basis of Frailty
• Integrative Systems Biology
• Basic Mechanisms by which Diet and Physical Activity Influence Aging Processes

 

AUTOIMMUNE & RHEUMATIC DISEASES

 

Other index terms: Bone & Musculoskeletal Disorders, Clinical & Translational Research, Skin Diseases, Training & Career Development

Title: NIAMS Small Grant Program For New Investigators (R03)
Agency: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
LOI Deadline: Not Applicable
Application Deadlines: June 23, 2009; October 23, 2009; June 23, 2010; October 22, 2010; June 23, 2011 & October 24, 2011
PAR Identification: PAR-09-031
CFDA Number: 93.846
Link: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-09-031.html

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) is seeking small grant (R03) applications to stimulate and facilitate the entry of promising new investigators into research on arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases and injuries. This FOA will provide support for pilot research that is likely to lead to a subsequent individual research project grant (R01).

Division of Musculoskeletal Diseases

The Division of Musculoskeletal Diseases of the NIAMS supports fundamental research in bone, muscle and connective tissue biology as well as research aimed at improving the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system and its component tissues. Key public health problems addressed by this research include osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, orthopaedic disorders and injuries, including sports medicine and regenerative medicine and the muscular dystrophies.

For more information, please visit the Division webpage:
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Funding/Funding_Opportunities/Supported_Scientific_Areas/Musculoskeletal_Diseases/default.asp

Division of Skin and Rheumatic Diseases

The Division of Skin and Rheumatic Diseases promotes and supports basic and clinical studies of the skin in normal and disease states, and research leading to prevention, diagnosis and cure of rheumatic and related diseases.  Disease areas of focus of these studies include keratinizing disorders such as psoriasis; chronic inflammatory skin disorders; autoimmune diseases of skin; and rheumatic and related diseases including lupus, systemic scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune myositis.

For more information, please visit the Division webpage:
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Funding/Funding_Opportunities/Supported_Scientific_Areas/Skin_Rheumatic_Diseases/default.asp

In addition to the Division webpages, the NIAMS has a long range plan that describes additional areas of strategic importance to the institute.  For more information, please visit the NIAMS Long Range Plan webpage:
http://www.niams.nih.gov/About_Us/Mission_and_Purpose/long_range.asp.

 

CANCER

Other index terms: Bioinformatics, Biostatistics & Epidemiology, Neurosciences

Title: 21st Century Science Initiative Research Awards
Agency: James S. McDonnell Foundation
Application Deadline: March 17, 2009
Link: http://www.jsmf.org/apply/research/     

The James S. McDonnell Foundation (http://www.jsmf.org/) has announced updated program descriptions and application guidelines for its 21st Century Science Initiative Research Awards.

The 21st Century Research Awards support investigator-initiated research in the areas of Studying Complex Systems and Brain Cancer Research. The program is designed to support research projects with a high probability of generating new knowledge and insights. Projects should be at an early or preliminary stage of development, be intended to break new ground or challenge commonly held assumptions, and be sufficiently novel, cross-disciplinary, or heterodox to have a strong likelihood of influencing the development of new ways of thinking about important problems.

A maximum of $450,000 can be requested and expended over a minimum of three years or a maximum of six years. Smaller amounts of money expended over shorter amounts of time may be requested to help investigators pursue pilot projects or test the feasibility of an experimental approach.

Applicants must have completed academic training and hold a position compatible with the pursuit of independent research. At most institutions this requirement corresponds to individuals at the assistant professor level and above. Senior scientists must explain, in detail, how they themselves (and not only their research assistants and post-doctoral fellows) will use the requested funds to pursue "break-out" research different from that which is ongoing in their laboratories.

The program has no geographic restrictions; international applications are encouraged. Applications must be sponsored by a non-profit institution. Program information, application guidelines, and proposal preparation instructions are available at the McDonnell Foundation Web-site: http://www.jsmf.org/apply/research/.

 

CARDIOVASCULAR SCIENCES

Other index terms: Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Imaging, Metabolomics, Proteomics
Title: The Role of Cardiomyocyte Mitochondria in Heart Disease: An Integrated Approach (R01)
Agency: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

LOI Deadline: April 20, 2009
Application Deadline: May 19, 2009
RFA Identification: RFA-HL-10-002
CFDA Number: 93.837
Link: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HL-10-002.html

Executive Summary

• Purpose. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) invites applications for collaborative research projects to develop an integrated understanding of cardiomyocyte mitochondria and its contributions to myocardial adaptations and heart disease progression by combining functional data with information derived from powerful new technologies.
• Mechanism of Support. This FOA will utilize the R01 grant mechanism.
• Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards. The NHLBI intends to commit approximately $4 million in total costs in FY2010, and up to $16 million over four years, to fund up to six grants under this FOA. Awards issued under this FOA are contingent upon availability of funds and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications.
• Budget and Project Period. Budgets for direct costs of up to $500,000 per year and a project duration of up to four years may be requested for a maximum of $2,000,000 direct costs over a four-year project period. Because the nature and scope of the proposed research will vary from application to application, it is anticipated that the size and duration of each award will also vary. The total amount awarded and the number of awards will depend upon the numbers, quality, duration, and costs of the applications received.
• Application Research Plan Component Length: The R01 application Research Plan component of the PHS398 (Items 2-5) may not exceed 25 pages, including tables, graphs, figures, diagrams, and charts (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/funding_program.htm).
• Eligible Institutions/Organizations. Institutions/organizations listed in Section III, 1.A. are eligible to apply.

The goal of this program is to develop a comprehensive understanding of genomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and functional information in cardiomyocyte mitochondria by bringing investigators from different disciplines together to focus on developing an integrative understanding of the role of cardiomyocyte mitochondria in health and disease.

Examples of research topics may include, but are not limited to, integration of functional data with:

• Proteomic and computational biology techniques: Perform spatial and/or temporal analysis of the dynamic posttranslational modification of proteins during myocardial ischemia and reperfusion. Utilize computational models to help identify key therapeutic targets that can be modified by cardioprotective strategies.
• Imaging and genomic techniques: Use novel imaging agents to assess mitochondrial function during the development of heart failure. Use transgenic models to explore genomic influences on this progression and identify processes that can be altered to prevent or delay the onset of clinical disease.
• Metabolomic and imaging techniques: Define the chemical activity of all metabolites and reactive species in the mitochondrial matrix to accurately characterize the kinetics of enzyme systems formed. Identify changes in mitochondrial metabolism, biogenesis, apoptosis, and stress-sensing in diabetic cardiomyopathy.
• Proteomic and genomic techniques: Compare mitochondrial proteomic and genomic profiles of adaptive cardiac hypertrophy to pathophysiological cardiac hypertrophy. Evaluate the functional significance of gene and protein modifications for the development of disease.
• Computational biology and imaging techniques: Develop and validate a computational model of cardiomyocyte mitochondrial function based upon in situ measurements of both sarcolemmal and mitochondrial membrane potential using voltage-sensitive dyes and of both mitochondrial and cytoplasmic ion activities. Extend the hypothesis-generating and predictive capacity of computational models to better understand, prevent, diagnose, and treat heart diseases.

To foster new collaborations and facilitate partnerships among different disciplines, programs will comprise multidisciplinary R01 grant applications. This FOA will require multidisciplinary teams with expertise in cardiac physiology, mitochondrial biology, and relevant advanced technologies to work together to improve understanding of the role of cardiomyocyte mitochondrial dysfunction and adaptation. Applications with multiple PDs/PIs are allowed. However, within each R01 grant, a lead PD/PI must be identified who will be the point of contact to NHLBI staff. A minimum 20% effort is required for lead PD/PI. Applications must justify the choice of team members and how this set of approaches will provide a new and integrated understanding of the role of cardiomyocyte mitochondria in health and disease.

DIABETES

 

Other index terms: Bioengineering & Bio-imaging, Clinical Research, Digestive Disorders & Gastrointestinal Systems, Health Differences & Disparities, Obesity

Title: Small Business Innovation Research to Develop New Therapeutics and Monitoring Technologies for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) Towards an Artificial Pancreas (SBIR) [R43/R44])
Agency: National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Engineering
, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
LOI Deadline: March 16, 2009
Application Deadline: April 15, 2009
RFA Identification: RFA-DK-09-001
CFDA Numbers: 93.847, 93.286, 93.865
Link: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DK-09-001.html

This FOA is intended to support cutting edge research conducted by small business leading to the development of innovative technologies that may advance progress toward an integrated, long term, automated; glucose regulated insulin delivery system (artificial pancreas). This announcement has two main purposes: a) promote technical innovation and b) promote pre-clinical or clinical testing of single or combined components of a closed loop system. Examples of projects that this announcement intends to solicit include but are not limited to:

Glucose Sensors and Insulin Delivery Systems
• Development of implantable or minimally invasive continuous glucose sensors with longer functional life (at least 3 weeks), real time measurement and low sample error (< 5-10 mg/dL) in the range of 30 to 150 mg/dL
• Application of nanotechnology advances to the design of new glucose sensing and insulin delivery devices.
• Development of smaller and/or more accurate continuous glucose sensors able to measure blood glucose in a real-time fashion.
• Development of miniaturized multisensor platforms able to detect glucose and other metabolically relevant analytes.
• Development of novel biocompatible materials to be used for the manufacturing of implantable devices.
• Development of implantable biohybrids matrices/membranes that may release bioactive agents which either promote vascularization and/or inhibit the inflammatory/fibrotic response allowing higher biocompatibility and longer durability of devices.
• Development of injectable glucose regulated insulin delivery systems/depots able to sense glucose and release insulin in a homeostatic fashion lasting days/weeks.

Algorithms and Integrated Systems
• Development of more advanced and predictive algorithms able to integrate glucose sensing and insulin delivery in order to maintain HbA1c of 6.5% or less and glucose excursions within the physiological range.
• Development of more effective, reliable and integrated wireless systems.
• Development of smaller and portable controllers.
• Technologies that improve or facilitate information visualization and integration of data for analysis.
• Development of a hypoglycemia alert system able to reliably detect glucose levels < 70 mg/dL in a real time fashion, alert the individual or caregiver of impending hypoglycemia, shut insulin delivery off when necessary and effectively track events reporting into a centralized data collection system.
• Closed loop systems using algorithms that may incorporate delivery of counter-regulatory hormones in order to prevent or correct hypoglycemia effectively.
• Development of new devices able to integrate the sensing, controller and delivery components in one unit.
• Development and/or optimization of a bioartificial pancreas and its components.

Pre-Clinical and Clinical Topics
• Development and testing of new technologies for visually and/or cognitively impaired patients with diabetes
• In-silico simulation models that may facilitate the design of proper clinical studies to test new devices.
• Pre-clinical testing of components of a closed loop system.
• Clinical testing of components of a closed loop system.
Development of technologies that may promote and facilitate adherence/compliance by users of closed loop systems or its components.

 

DRUG DISCOVERY & DEVELOPMENT

Other index term: Pharmaceutical & Toxicological Topics

Title: New Methodologies for Natural Products Chemistry (R01)
Agency: NIH Roadmap initiative
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
LOI Deadline: April 17, 2009
Application Deadline: May 14, 2009
RFA Identification: RFA-RM-09-005
CFDA Number: 93.310
Link: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-RM-09-005.html

Objectives of the Project

The express goal of this FOA is to stimulate the development of a new generation of methods for Natural Products (NP) chemistry, and in doing so, to reinvigorate the investigation of nature as a prolific source of small molecules that have the potential to interact with all of the proteins that participate in cellular processes.  As novel, bioactive NPs are discovered, they will be incorporated into HTS decks worldwide (including the MLSMR collection), enabling their evaluation for a wide range of biological activities.

NIH expects that in the course of methods development and validation studies, grantees will isolate and purify significant quantities of a certain number of useful NPs.  Accordingly, a secondary purpose of this FOA is to expand the NIH small molecule collection by the addition of these compounds to the MLSMR.  The MLSMR will distribute the compounds to the MLPCN centers for HTS in a wide variety of bioassay systems.

A description of the current sample submission and quality control processes can be found at: http://mlsmr.glpg.com/MLSMR_HomePage/submitcompounds.html.  Applicants should indicate in their proposals whether any aspects of this quality control process are likely to be incompatible with the proposed libraries and, where possible, should discuss appropriate, alternative analysis methods.

Please note that throughout this FOA, the term “natural product” refers to a single discrete chemical compound that is produced by a living organism.  It is not used to describe mixtures or extracts isolated from natural sources. 

Approaches being sought to achieve the objectives

NPs may come from microorganisms or from higher organisms such as plants or marine invertebrates.  Traditionally, NPs are isolated directly from their natural sources.  However, there may be alternative sources of some NPs and NP analogs.  For instance, certain microbial metabolites may be produced by engineered organisms, including heterologous hosts.  Similarly, by manipulation of the genes that encode the biosynthetic machinery, pathways may be adapted so as to yield analogs of certain NPs.  Examples of topics that would be appropriate for investigation under this FOA might include (but would not be limited to) novel, general, and efficient methods to effect the following:

• chemical derivatization of NPs;
• rapid isolation of NPs from prokaryotes and/or higher organisms;
• rapid identification of NPs in crude mixtures;
• high-throughput purification of NPs from crude mixtures;
• rapid isolation of the genes or functional gene products for NP biosynthesis;
• growth of NP-producing organisms that are otherwise in short supply;
• generation of structurally diverse NP analogs by genetic manipulations; or
• generation of NP analogs (via biosynthetic or chemical manipulations) that are more amenable to derivatization than are the NPs themselves.

A topic of particular interest to the NIH is the development of one or more “universal” expression systems. A universal expression system would enable the convenient, high-yield expression of a wide range of NPs from a variety of natural sources. Ideally, one or more such systems would be developed for the expression of NPs from eukaryotic as well as prokaryotic organisms.

 

NEUROSCIENCES

Other index terms: Aging, Behavioral Sciences & Mental Health, Clinical & Translational Research, Drug Discovery & Development, Nursing
Title:  Research on the Cognitive Sequelae of Parkinson’s Disease (R01), (R21)
Agency: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)
Application Deadline: Standard dates apply, please see http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm
PAR Identifications: PA-09-033; PA-09-034
CFDA Numbers: 93.853, 93.866, 93.242, 93.361
Links: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-09-033.html (R01)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-09-034.html (R21)

Under this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the National Institute on Aging (NIA), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) invite research grant applications that address the underlying neurobiological mechanisms associated with cognitive impairment and mood disturbance in Parkinson's disease (PD), that address the development of clinical interventions and therapeutics for cognitive impairment and affective symptoms in PD, or that promote improved clinical diagnosis or treatment of cognitive and affective impairment in PD. A goal of this FOA is to begin a process where basic and clinical scientists from various disciplines can overcome barriers to cross-disciplinary and biobehavioral research and examine all aspects of cognition and affective regulation in the context of the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson's disease. 

The purpose of this initiative is to:

• foster multidisciplinary approaches to the study of cognitive dysfunction in PD by encouraging collaborations between basic neuroscientists, cognitive and affective neuroscientists, and clinical scientists;
• promote the development of relevant animal models (especially primate models) that will 1) lead to improved understanding of the neurophysiology underlying cognitive and affective changes in PD, and/or 2) prove useful as screening tools for potential therapeutic agents designed to reverse or forestall cognitive impairments and/or mood dysregulation in PD;
• encourage the development of improved diagnostic assessments of cognitive impairment and mood disturbance in PD, especially assessments based on physiological attributes or biomarkers;
• promote research on potential therapeutics for cognitive impairment and mood disturbance in PD; this includes the development of relevant animal models, devices, rehabilitation strategies, and biomarkers for assessing intervention efficacy.

 

Applications that demonstrate the establishment of collaborative research programs with researchers at existing Udall Centers of Excellence for Parkinson's disease research are particularly encouraged.

Research topics appropriate for this FOA include, but are not limited, to the following:

• Basic molecular or cellular studies of potential drugs or other treatments that could address cognitive impairments or mood dysregulation in PD
• Behavioral and physiological characterization of models based on the molecular understanding of synuclein, parkin and other proteins involved in the pathogenic processes of neurodegenerative disorders
• Studies on the neurobiological basis of cognitive and affective impairments in PD
• Studies of genetic, environmental, behavioral, or other risk factors which may predispose to cognitive impairment, depression or psychosis in PD, including studies that examine the correlation between the precipitating causes of PD or risk factors for PD, with the disease progression and development of cognitive or neuropsychiatric symptoms
• Pharmacogenetic or neurophysiological studies to identify individuals at risk for drug-induced cognitive or other neuropsychiatric dysfunction
• Development of relevant animal models for studying non-motor deficits in PD, for example, development of transgenic animals that would model the late-life onset of PD as seen in humans (e.g. conditional expression of genes)
• Pre-clinical studies of cognitive tests and paradigms in animal models of PD
• Studies of neuroprotective or other agents in animal models of PD with induced cognitive deficits.
• Studies that examine the association between clinical disease onset, neuropathology in PD and the development and severity of cognitive and affective impairments
• Studies of best outcome measures in PD patients with cognitive impairments, or co-morbid with dementia, depression, or other non-motor manifestations, including development and validation of specific assessment tools and biomarkers for PD patients with cognitive impairment or mood disturbance
• Development of pathological markers in the basal ganglia that better define PD with motor changes alone as compared to PD with both motor and non-motor impairments
• Studies that utilize novel experimental techniques for the study of human neuroanatomy to examine the neural systems damaged in PD. These studies should also investigate whether this information can be correlated with the cognitive and/or affective impairments seen in PD patients
• Studies of neuroanatomical circuits and neurochemical processes mediating cognitive or affective states and cognition- or affect-based individual differences in PD
• Examination of the specific consequences of deep brain stimulation (DBS) or other surgical interventions, on the cognitive aspects of Parkinson's disease.

In addition to the above objectives, the NINR places a high priority on promoting research on potential biobehavioral interventions to maintain, support, or enhance the cognitive function of persons with PD.  Such research may include: 1) Development of models that integrate PD neuropathologies with cognitive function and provide the substrate for intervention development; 2) Assessment of new and existing interventions and their impact on functional capacity, disease management, disease course, and quality of life in persons with PD; 3) Development of innovative theory-based cognitive and/or behavioral interventions that improve cognitive function and thereby support IADL function, enhance disease management, and improve quality of life in PD patients; and 4) Development of assessment tools for detection of early cognitive change in patients with PD.

[Please note, this paragraph pertains only to the R01 announcement ­– NINR is not supporting the R21 mechanism.)

NIMH priorities in this topic area relate particularly to research dealing with affective regulation, mood disturbance, depression or other neuropsychiatric symptoms in PD.

In addition to the above objectives and suggested topics, the NIA priorities include promotion of research that would explore, using animal models, the characteristic cognitive and affective impairments seen in PD that may be instigated or enhanced by the aging process itself.  The NIA encourages longitudinal studies using animal models of PD that explore the mechanisms contributing to the progression from motor only impairments to cognitive and affective impairments and that inform us about the role of the aging process in the progression.  Development of pharmacological or non-pharmacological intervention strategies to block the progression from motor to cognitive and affective impairments during the course of the disease also is encouraged.   Novel, exploratory research that simultaneously investigates the common pathologies, genetic mechanisms, and regional and cellular selective vulnerabilities of PD and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) that would inform us about the cognitive and affective sequelae of PD is another priority of NIA.  Of particular interest is research on people with co-occurring PD and other dementias, e.g., AD, diffuse Lewy Body disease (DLB), or Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), especially with respect to the cognitive and affective components.  Projects that employ neuroimaging and other biomarker approaches for these studies are encouraged.

 

NURSING

Other index terms: Autoimmune & Rheumatic Disorders, Cancer, Health Services Research
Title: Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Grants in Auto-immune Diseases and Cancer
Agency: Daisy Foundation
Application Deadline: March 1, 2009
Link: http://www.daisyfoundation.org/

New funding is available from the Daisy Foundation (http://www.daisyfoundation.org/) for nurses seeking to improve treatment of patients with autoimmune diseases and cancer. The Daisy Foundation was established in 1999 to recognize and support exceptional nurses around the United States.

Applications are now being accepted for the foundation's J. Patrick Barnes Research Grant, which funds nursing research and evidence-based practice projects. Two types of grants will be awarded: large grants of up to $5,000 each for projects that can be completed within two years and small grants of up to $1,000 each for projects completed within twelve months.

The program supports registered nurses who continually evaluate and improve their practice by seeking answers to clinical questions. Additional information and the grant application form are available at the Daisy Foundation Web site (http://www.daisyfoundation.org/)

VISION & SENSORY PERCEPTION

Other index terms: Community Outreach & Engagement, Diabetes, Health Differences & Disparities
Title: Innovative Patient Outreach Programs and Ocular Screening Technologies to Improve Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy (SBIR [R43/R44])
Agency: National Eye Institute (NEI)
Application Deadlines: March 23, 2009; December 23, 2009
RFA Identification: RFA-EY-09-001
CFDA Number:  93.867
Link: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-EY-09-001.html

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is directed to small businesses.  The goals of this FOA will be to 1) develop educational outreach programs to create a greater awareness of the blinding consequences of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes; and, 2) develop tools and systems to be used for increasing patient access to eye exams for detecting DR.

The following list provides examples of potential topics in response to this FOA.  These are meant for illustrative purposes only and are not exclusive of other suitable R&D topics.

• Development of educational tools and programs to increase awareness of the importance for early detection and therapy to prevent the blinding consequences of diabetes.
• Development of inexpensive and compact ophthalmic instruments for DR detection that can be easily used by trained personnel who are not eye care specialists.
• Development of methods for automated image analysis to speed screening.
• Development of systems to enable telemedicine screening for DR
• Development of automated systems to aid evaluation and diagnosis.
• Development of ocular screening venues in public locales and retail stores