Purpose: This initiative is designed to stimulate and solicit studies to broadly address the problem of Barrett's esophagus and its etiology and relationship to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its link to the rising incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. The specific areas of emphasis of this initiative will include novel approaches for molecular characterization of Barrett's metaplasia and dysplasia in comparison to normal squamous and intestinal epithelium, identification of esophageal stem cells and the factors responsible for specific differentiation pathways into either squamous or intestinal epithelium, regeneration of squamous mucosa, the molecular precursors or predictors of dysplasia, identification of serum biomarkers of metaplasia or dysplasia, development of suitable animal models to study pathogenesis, chemoprevention or treatment strategies, and clinical studies aimed at revealing environmental or genetic risk factors or the role of gastroesophageal reflux in Barrett's esophagus. In addition to hypothesis-driven R01 projects, this initiative will encourage development of new research tools through Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21).
Term/Amount: The NIDDK and NCI intend to commit approximately $2.5 million in FY 2002 to fund approximately six new research project grants (R01) and six new exploratory research grants (R21) in response to this RFA. Although the financial plans of the NIDDK and NCI provide support for this program, awards pursuant to this RFA are contingent upon the availability of funds and the receipt of a sufficient number of applications of outstanding scientific and technical merit.
Contact: The letter of intent is to be sent to: Francisco O. Calvo, Ph.D., Chief, Review Branch Division of Extramural Activities, NIDDK 6707 Democracy Boulevard, Rm. 752 MSC 5452 Bethesda, MD 20892-5452 (for express/courier service: Bethesda, MD 20817) Telephone: (301) 594-8885 FAX: (301) 480-3505 The PHS 398 research grant application instructions and forms (rev. 5/2001) at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html are to be used in applying for these grants. This version of the PHS 398 is available in an interactive, searchable PDF format. For further assistance contact GrantsInfo, Telephone 301/435-0714, Email: GrantsInfo{at}nih.gov.
Deadline: Letter of Intent Receipt Date: February 20, 2002. Application Receipt Date: March 20, 2002.