Purpose: This Request for Applications (RFA) is to solicit applications that address the basic biology of adult stem cells in aging. Research to elucidate the changes that take place in stem cells and their environment with normal age and age-related disease will be crucial to understanding how and why tissues, organs and organisms senesce and to eventual development of stem cell-based therapies for the aged. Projects are encouraged that significantly advance research to identify and characterize adult stem cells as a function of aging; characterize the tissue environment and the interaction of adult stem cells with that environment during aging; separate, monitor and control adult stem cells from and in aging tissue; and develop or use disease models to understand the biology of adult stem cells in disease states common to aged individuals. Applications are solicited for research projects that focus on various aging tissues or physiological systems, including cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, immune, urogenital, endocrine and nervous systems.
Term/Amount: The NIA has set aside $2 Million for the first year of support for grants awarded in response to this RFA. Maximum direct costs requested may not exceed $250,000 for the first year. It is anticipated that 5 to 7 R01 grants will be supported. Awards are contingent upon availability of funds and the receipt of a sufficient number of applications of outstanding scientific and technical merit. Applications that are not funded may be revised and resubmitted under regular grant procedures for the NIH. Direct costs will be awarded in modules of $25,000, less any overlap or other necessary administrative adjustments. Facilities and Administrative costs will be awarded at the negotiated rate.
Contact: The letter of intent is to be sent to Jill L. Carrington, Ph.D. Chief, Systems Branch Biology of Aging Program National Institute on Aging 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 2C231 MSC 9205 Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 Telephone: (301) 496-6402 FAX: (301) 402-0010 Email: jc189n{at}nih.gov The research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 4/98) is to be used in applying for these grants, with the modifications noted below. These forms are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research; from the Division of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone 301/435-0714, email: grantsinfo{at}nih.gov; and on the internet at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html.
Deadline: Letter of Intent Receipt Date: August 14, 2001. Application Receipt Date: September 11, 2001.