Subject: NIH Guide - August l7, l990
From: Dot Baker <[email-masked]>
To: [email-masked]
Date: Thu, 16 Aug 90 07:53 EST

Good Morning,
   This is one of four items coming to you today to be posted to the
NIH Listserver.  Please post this one as: NIHGUIDE.081790
   Thanks.
          Dottie
 ---------------------------- Text of forwarded message -----------------------
Date:         Wed, 15 Aug 90 14:39:57 EDT
Sender:       NIH Guide Primary Distribution <NIHGDE-L@JHUVM>
From:         Q2C@NIHCU
Subject:      NIH GUIDE - Vol. 19, No. 30, August 17, 1990
To:           Dottie Baker <UNCDOT>
 
X-comment: NIH Guide (including TOC) contained 11 pages (880 lines)
X-comment: RFAs described:  HD-91-01, HL-90-13-P, HS-90-01

 

 
NIH GUIDE - Vol. 19, No. 30, August 17, 1990

                                   NOTICES

REMINDER AND UPDATE:  REQUIREMENT FOR PROGRAMS ON THE RESPONSIBLE
CONDUCT OF RESEARCH IN NATIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE AWARD INSTITUTIONAL
TRAINING PROGRAMS .....................................(84/144).............. 1
National Institutes of Health
Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration
Index:  NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
        ALCOHOL, DRUG ABUSE, AND MENTAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

                   NOTICES OF AVAILABILITY (RFPs AND RFAs)

ACQUISITION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ALLOANTISERA AND MOLECULAR PROBES
RECOGNIZING PUBLIC SPECIFICITIES OF THE MHC (RFP) .....(164/201)............. 2
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Index:  ALLERGY, INFECTIOUS DISEASES

PRECLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY STUDIES OF ANTI-AIDS AGENTS (RFP) ..(204/253)....... 2
National Cancer Institute
Index:  CANCER

TOXICITY STUDIES IN ANIMALS (RFP) ...........................(256/305)....... 3
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Index:  ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES

SPECIALIZED RESEARCH CENTER PROGRAMS OR CENTER CORE GRANTS TO
SUPPORT RESEARCH IN REPRODUCTION (RFA HD-91-01) ...(321/416, 884/1177)....... 4
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Index:  CHILD HEALTH, HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

CHILD AND ADOLESCENT TRIAL FOR CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH:  COORDINATING
CENTER (RFA HL-90-13-P) ...........................(419/458, 1180/1842)...... 5
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Index:  HEART, LUNG, BLOOD

NATIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE AWARD - INSTITUTIONAL GRANTS (RFA HS-90-01) ....... 5
Agency for Health Care Policy and Research         (461/525, 1845/2296)
Index:  AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE POLICY AND RESEARCH

                        ONGOING PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS

MULTIPURPOSE ARTHRITIS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASES CENTERS (PA-90-24) ...... 6
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Index:  ARTHRITIS, MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASES, SKIN DISEASES  (531/619)

STUDIES OF STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY AND PROTEIN STRUCTURE-FUNCTION RELEVANT
TO DIABETES, ENDOCRINOLOGY, AND GENETIC METABOLIC DISEASES (PA-90-25) ....... 7
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Index:  DIABETES, DIGESTIVE DISEASES, KIDNEY DISEASES   (622/842)

 

 

 

                                   NOTICES

REMINDER AND UPDATE:  REQUIREMENT FOR PROGRAMS ON THE RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF
RESEARCH IN NATIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE AWARD INSTITUTIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMS
 
P.T. 44; K.W. 1014004, 1014006
 
National Institutes of Health
Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration
 
As stated in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Vol. 18, No. 45, December
22, 1989, administrative guidelines for the National Research Service Award
(NRSA) institutional training grant applications submitted to the National
Institutes of Health (NIH) and Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health
Administration (ADAMHA) have been revised "to require that a program in the
principles of scientific integrity be an integral part of the proposed
research training effort".  This requirement applies to all competing training
grant applications received after July 1, 1990.  The principal goal of the
NRSA grant mechanisms is to train scientists for future careers in biomedical
and behavioral research.  An important factor in biomedical and behavioral
research is the need to maintain the highest levels of integrity in the
conduct of research.  The research training environment in the university
setting provides a powerful context in which to promote responsible research
practices.
 
NIH and ADAMHA recognize that the scientific community is at an early stage of
developing information and methods that pertain specifically to training in
research ethics for trainees.  Not all methods will work in all training
situations given the heterogeneity among disciplines and professions.  There
are no single models or paradigms.  Appreciation of the heterogeneity among
the biomedical and behavioral research components within the institutions
calls for flexibility in approaches to effective education and training
models.
 
Institutions must accept primary responsibility and be allowed to develop
their own ways of promoting responsible conduct of research in conjunction
with their training programs.  Scientific and administrative leaders of the
university or from outside (as consultants or speakers) could be a visible
part of this effort.  Applicants are urged to discuss the development of
methods on this important topic with their colleagues and also look to the
professional associations for guidance as well as discussions with NIH and
ADAMHA staff.
 
An array of methods might be used at various training levels.  It was stated
in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, December 22, 1989 notice:
 
"Most universities and academic institutions have practices and procedures to
ensure the responsible conduct of research.  These may include informal
seminars and presentations on conflict of interest, data recording and
retention, professional standards and codes of conduct, responsible
authorship, institutional policies and procedures for handling allegations of
misconduct, policies regarding the use of human and animal subjects, etc.  or
formal courses on bioethics, research conduct, the ideals of science, etc."
 
For the first 18 months of implementation of this requirement, it is expected
that institutions will be given considerable flexibility in order to encourage
innovation in the development of methods for providing training in scientific
integrity.  However, descriptions of formal or informal activities related to
incorporation of efforts relevant to the responsible conduct of research
(i.e., "the plan") should be explicit as possible (e.g., topics to be covered;
faculty that may be involved; format; schedule, etc.).  No application will be
awarded until a description of the institution's plan to provide instruction
on ethics in research training is furnished.

 

 

 

 

 
            NIH GUIDE - Vol. 19, No. 30, August 17, 1990 - Page 1
                   NOTICES OF AVAILABILITY (RFPs AND RFAs)

ACQUISITION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ALLOANTISERA AND MOLECULAR PROBES
RECOGNIZING PUBLIC SPECIFICITIES OF THE MHC
 
RFP AVAILABLE:  RFP-NIH-NIAID-DAIT-91-22
 
P.T. 34; K.W. 0710065, 1002008, 1002058, 0760053
 
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
 
The Division of Allergy and Immunology and Transplantation of the National
Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has a requirement for the
acquisition and characterization of alloantisera and molecular probes
recognizing complex public specificities of the major histocompatability
(MHC).  The acquisition will require knowledge of immunogenetics, nucleic acid
molecular biological techniques, as well as, acquisition and characterization
of alloantisera recognizing the public specifities of the MHC.
 
One or more contracts may be awarded as a result of this solicitation.  It is
expected that the contract will have a five-year period of performance.  Any
responsible offeror may submit a proposal which shall be considered by the
Government.
 
RFP-NIH-NIAID-DAIT-91-22 will be issued on or about August 22, 1990.
Proposals will be due forty-five days thereafter.
 
To receive a copy of this RFP, please supply this office with a request in
writing and two self-addressed mailing labels addressed to the office listed
below:
 
Ms. Grace A. Bruce
Contract Specialist
Contract Management Branch, NIAID
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Westwood Building/Room 707
5333 Westbard Avenue
Bethesda, MD  20892
 
This advertisement does not commit the Government to make an award.

PRECLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY STUDIES OF ANTI-AIDS AGENTS
 
RFP AVAILABLE:  NCI-CM-27701-27
 
P.T. 34; K.W. 0710100, 0740020, 0715008, 0755010
 
National Cancer Institute
 
The Developmental Therapeutics Program (DTP), Division of Cancer Treatment
(DCT), National Cancer Institute (NCI), is seeking organizations having the
necessary experience, scientific and technical personnel, and facilities to
conduct a series of preclinical pharmacokinetic and other pharmacology studies
in non-disease bearing animals on compounds having demonstrated ANTI-HIV
activity and considered by DCT to merit further development.  The studies to
be performed will include:  The development of methodology for the
quantitative measurement of the compound and/or metabolites in animal body
fluids and tissues; stability studies of the compound in biological fluids;
determination of the plasma concentration-time profile and calculation of
relevant pharmacokinetic parameters; determination of the most effective mode
of compound administration to achieve and maintain viral inhibitory
concentrations in body fluids and tissues; bioavailability studies following
administration of an agent by various routes; tissue distribution and urinary
excretion studies; and structural determination of metabolites and
transformation products of the parent compound.  The Government will supply
all animals (mice, rats, dogs), test agents, and radiolabeled test agents.
Contractors will be expected to provide all equipment, solvents, reagents, and
animal facilities needed to conduct this type of work.
 
It is anticipated that three awards will be made as result of this Request for
Proposal (RFP), each for a three year, incrementally-funded level of effort
contract beginning on or about October 1, 1991.  Only one award will be made
to an institution.  This project is a recompetition of the work being done
under contract numbers:  N01-CM-87284 A.D. Little, INC., Massachusetts;
N01-CM-87285 Southern Research Institute, Alabama; N01-CM-87286 Vermont
Regional Cancer Center, Vermont.
 
            NIH GUIDE - Vol. 19, No. 30, August 17, 1990 - Page 2
RFP No. NCI-CM-27701-27 will be issued on or about August 13, 1990, with a due
date for receipt of proposals on October 13, 1990.
 
Requests for the RFP should be sent to:
 
Johnny Jordan
Contract Specialist
Treatment Contract Section
Research Contracts Branch
National Cancer Institute
Executive Plaza South, Room 6031
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD  20892

TOXICITY STUDIES IN ANIMALS
 
RFP AVAILABLE:  NIH-ES-90-25
 
P.T. 34; K.W. 1007009, 0780017
 
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
 
The purpose of this contract is to conduct short-term, in vivo studies that
will assist the National Toxicology Program (NTP) in the toxicologic
characterization of chemicals.  The NTP will provide a chemical-specific
protocol outline for each chemical to be studied under this contract.  The
contracts obtained under this solicitation shall provide the capability to
perform specified procedures for assessing the toxicity of approximately 5
chemicals per contract per year for five years.  The basic contract award
shall provide for the conduct of approximately eight studies per contract per
year.  The Government may, pending the availability of funds, exercise one
option in each year of each contract for the conduct of four additional
studies.  Study designs will generally involve daily (gavage or skin paint) or
continuous (dosed fee or water) dosing periods.  The types of chemicals to be
studied may include, but shall not be limited to, industrial solvents,
plasticizers, food preservatives and colorants, drugs, pesticides, and heavy
metals.  Most studies will involve rats and mice; however, some studies may
include rabbits, guinea pigs, and dogs.  This work shall be performed in
accordance with the Good Laboratory Practice Regulations established by the
FDA for Nonclinical Laboratory Studies (FDA Good Laboratory Practice
Regulations for Nonclinical Laboratory Studies; Final Report (Fed.  Register,
Vol. 52, #172, Friday, September 4, 1987, pp.  33768-33782; 21 CFR Part 58).
At least two cost-reimbursement, term form, level of effort, task order type
contracts with an estimated period of performance of five years each are
contemplated as a result of this solicitation.  One award is set-aside for a
small business concern.  One or more award(s) will be made on an open
competition basis.  The Government estimates that approximately 1.79 senior
professional person years, 1.75 professional person years, and 7.02 technical
person years will be required on an annual basis for each basic contract
award.  An additional .98 senior professional person year, .90 professional
person year, and 3.81 technical person years will be required on an annual
basis for each contract award for optional studies.  All responsible sources
may submit a proposal which shall be considered by the Agency.  Expected
release date of the RFP is August 21, 1990, with proposals due October 30,
1990.
 
Requests should reference RFP NIH-ES-90-25 and should be forwarded to:
 
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Contracts and Procurement Management Branch, OM
ATTN:  Marilyn B. Whaley, Contract Specialist
79 T.W. Alexander Drive, 4401 Building
P. O. Box 12874
Research Triangle Park, NC  27709

 

 

 

 

            NIH GUIDE - Vol. 19, No. 30, August 17, 1990 - Page 3
SPECIALIZED RESEARCH CENTER PROGRAMS OR CENTER CORE GRANTS TO SUPPORT RESEARCH
IN REPRODUCTION
 
RFA AVAILABLE:  HD-91-01
 
P.T. 04; K.W. 0413002, 0710030
 
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
 
Letter of Intent Receipt Date:  January 1, 1991
Application Receipt Date:  May 6, 1991
 
The Reproductive Sciences Branch (RSB), Center for Population Research (CPR),
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), supports
research on reproduction that relies on a variety of approaches in biomedical
sciences.  Among the grant mechanisms used to provide research support, the
RSB uses:
 
  1) Specialized Research Centers (P50s) which are integrated groups of
     research projects and supporting core service facilities.  The
     research activities included in such project grants must comprise,
     by definition, a multidisciplinary approach to biomedical problems
     in reproduction.  Although these research programs may have more
     than one theme, focus, or emphasis, all of the projects must be
     responsive to one or more of the specific areas of reproductive
     research which constitute the purview of the RSB, CPR, NICHD.
 
  2) Center Core Grants (P30s) that support Center Core facilities
     designed to enhance existing federally supported research projects
     within the purview of the RSB, CPR, NICHD.  Such Center awards
     require a critical mass of individual, reproductive-oriented awards
     whose productivity and quality would be increased by support from
     central technical facilities.
 
At present, the RSB supports a fixed number of centers with a commitment of
five years of support that is competitively renewable for additional five-year
periods.  Support for one P50 Center and three P30 Centers ends in FY 1992,
and it is anticipated that these Centers will submit renewal applications.
While there are no new Center positions available at this time, new groups of
investigators, in addition to the current awardees, are invited to compete for
the existing four (4) positions.
 
Potential applicants should contact the RSB staff for further information
regarding reproductive sciences center grants (P50s and P30s).  It is strongly
recommended, but not mandatory, that potential applicants send a letter of
intent to the RSB staff at the address listed below by January 1, 1991.  This
letter should outline the organizational structure of the proposed center,
list the title of the relevant research projects to be associated with it, and
the names of the relevant principal investigators.  The letter of intent
should be received by the RSB no later than January 1, 1991, but applicants
are encouraged to send it as soon as they decide to apply for the grant so
that the RSB staff can be of maximum assistance in the application process.
 
Although this solicitation is included in the plans for FY 1992, support for
these center grants is contingent upon the receipt of funds for these purposes
by the NICHD.  The number of grants to be awarded is also contingent upon a
sufficient number of applications receiving a high enough level of merit to be
considered for an award.  It is expected that up to four (4) awards will be
made as a result of this announcement.
 
Applications for grants involving clinical studies should include members of
minority groups and women in the study populations.  Otherwise, a clear
rationale for their exclusion must be provided in the application.
 
For further information and a copy of the fully described RFA, please contact:
 
Julia Lobotsky, M.S.
Reproductive Sciences Branch
Center for Population Research
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
National Institutes of Health
Executive Plaza North, Suite 603
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  (301) 496-6515

 

            NIH GUIDE - Vol. 19, No. 30, August 17, 1990 - Page 4
To obtain copies of the NICHD Policy and Formatting Guidelines for P30 and P50
center grant applications, please contact:
 
Laurance Johnston, Ph.D.
Scientific Review Program
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
National Institutes of Health
Executive Plaza North, Suite 520
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  (301) 496-1696
 
This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No.
13.864, Population Research.  Awards will be made under the authority of the
Public Health Service Act 301 (42 USC 241) and 441 (USC 289d) and administered
under PHS Grant Policies and Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 45 CFR
Part 74.  This program is not subject to A-95 or Health Systems Agency review.

CHILD AND ADOLESCENT TRIAL FOR CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH:  COORDINATNG CENTER
 
RFA AVAILABLE:  HL-90-13-P
 
P.T. 34; K.W. 0715040, 0745035, 0755015, 0755018, 0403001
 
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
 
Application Receipt Date:  November 13, 1990
 
The Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications (DECA), National Heart,
Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), announces the availability of a Request for
Applications (RFA) on the above subject.  Copies of the RFA are available from
staff of the NHLBI.  Competition will be limited to domestic institutions.
 
This award will support a coordinating center to participate with field
centers and the NHLBI in a collaborative study entitled "Child and Adolescent
Trial for Cardiovascular Health" (CATCH).  The overall objective of the trial
is to assess the effects of a school-based intervention for promoting
healthful behavior in elementary school children to reduce their subsequent
cardiovascular disease risk.  CATCH is currently in the last year of a 3.5
year feasibility study that involves protocol writing and developmental work
and testing in elementary schools at four Field Centers across the country.
The assistance mechanism used to support the current feasibility study and the
proposed main trial for the CATCH Study is the cooperative agreement which is
similar to the traditional NIH research grant.  The administrative and funding
mechanism for this trial will continue to be a cooperative agreement.  It
differs from a research grant principally in the extent and nature of NHLBI
staff involvement.
 
Requests for copies of the RFA may be addressed to:
 
Elaine J. Stone, Ph.D.
Prevention and Demonstration Research Branch
Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Federal Building, Room 604A
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  (30l) 496-3503
FAX      :  (30l) 402-05l7

NATIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE AWARD-INSTITUTIONAL GRANTS
 
RFA AVAILABLE:  HS-90-01
 
P.T. 44; K.W. 0720005, 0730050
 
Agency for Health Care Policy and Research
 
Application Receipt Date:  October 15, 1990
 
AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE
 
Under authority of Section 487 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act as
amended (42 USC 288), the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR)
is awarding National Research Service Award (NRSA) institutional grants (T32)
to eligible institutions to develop or enhance research training opportunities
for qualified individuals of the institution's selection who seek to prepare
for careers in health services research.  This Request for Applications (RFA)
 
            NIH GUIDE - Vol. 19, No. 30, August 17, 1990 - Page 5
announces the application receipt date for this program (October 1, 1990) and
identifies the training areas of special interest.
 
The purpose of the NRSA program is to help ensure that highly trained
scientific personnel will be available in adequate numbers and in the
appropriate research areas and fields to maintain the nation's health services
research agenda.  Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 66, is
applicable to this program as is the following Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance number:  13.226.
 
APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
 
Domestic nonprofit private or public institutions may apply for grants to
support research training programs.  The applicant institution must have the
staff and facilities required for the proposed program.  The training program
director at the institution will be responsible for the selection and
appointment of trainees and for the overall direction of the program.
 
REVIEW SCHEDULE
 
The schedule (indicated below) is designed to allow Program Directors time to
recruit candidates during the fall/winter of the academic year (1991) for
appointments to begin the following summer.
 
Application         Initial Review     Council         Earliest
Receipt Date        Meeting            Meeting         Award
 
October 15          February           May/June        July
1990                1991               1991            1991
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
The AHCPR supports training in all areas of health services research.  The
AHCPR expects to fund approximately five new and/or renewal institutional
training awards in response to this RFA.
 
Complete details on the policy and guidelines, the mechanism of the award,
application procedure, review criteria, and copies of the RFA may be obtained
from:
 
Mr. Hoke S. Glover
Parklawn Building, Room 18-12
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD  20857
Telephone:  (301) 443-3091

                        ONGOING PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS

MULTIPURPOSE ARTHRITIS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASES CENTERS
 
PA:  PA-90-24
 
P.T. 04; K.W. 0715010, 0715136, 0785055, 0710030, 0730050
 
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
 
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
(NIAMS) uses a variety of award mechanisms to accomplish its research mission.
Among these mechanisms is the P60 award for a multipurpose arthritis and
musculoskeletal diseases center.
 
The application guidelines for the multipurpose arthritis and musculoskeletal
diseases centers have been revised and are in effect for all applications
received on or after June 1, 1990.
 
Fourteen centers are currently funded by NIAMS.  Organizations not currently
funded are encouraged to consider applying for this program.  Eligible
organizational entities are major medical complexes in the United States with
a base of meritorious biomedical research related to arthritis and
musculoskeletal diseases.  Institutional programs in education, epidemiology,
and/or health services that can be related to arthritis and musculoskeletal
diseases should also be present.  The center fosters a multidisciplinary
research approach to the manifold problems of arthritis and musculoskeletal
diseases.  The center grant is not intended to provide total funding for all
of these activities, but to provide funds for development of new capabilities
for research and related activities.
 
            NIH GUIDE - Vol. 19, No. 30, August 17, 1990 - Page 6
A multipurpose arthritis and musculoskeletal diseases center has two major
research coordinating components:  biomedical research and research in
education, epidemiology, and health services.  An administrative unit provides
oversight.  The interactions afforded by the administrative unit and two
research components provide opportunities to promote new research directions
through developmental and feasibility projects and through core units.  In
addition, research projects in education, epidemiology, and/or health services
are supported.  The NIH urges applicants for grants to give added attention
(where feasible and appropriate) to the inclusion of minority groups and women
in the study populations for research.
 
APPLICATION AND REVIEW PROCEDURES
 
Applications in response to this announcement will be reviewed in accordance
with standard NIH peer review procedures for research center grants.  Review
criteria include significance and originality of the research goals and
approaches; feasibility of the research and adequacy of the experimental
design; training, research competence, and dedication of the investigators;
adequacy of available facilities; and provision for the humane care of animals
and appropriate use of human subjects.  Funding decisions will be based on
peer review group and National Advisory Council recommendations.  Applications
should be submitted on form PHS-398 (rev. 10/88), available in the business
or grants office at most academic research institutions, or from the NIH
Division of Research Grants.  Applications will be accepted in accordance with
the submission dates for new and competing center grant applications on a
continuing basis:
 
February 1, June 1, October 1
 
The phrase "RESPONSE TO NIAMS PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT:  MULTIPURPOSE ARTHRITIS
AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASES CENTER, PA-90-24" should be typed on line 2 of
the face page of the application.  The original and six copies should be sent
or delivered to:
 
Grant Application Receipt Office
Division of Research Grants
Westwood Building, Room 240
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD  20892-4500**
 
Because of the limitations and the special nature of the program, potential
applicants are strongly encouraged to contact NIAMS staff to discuss the
scope, content, size, and timing of any applications for this program.
Initial inquiries and requests for the revised guidelines and additional
information should be directed to:
 
Julia B. Freeman, Ph.D.
Centers Program Director
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Westwood Building, Room 403
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  (301) 496-7495
 
This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No.
13.846, Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research.  Awards will be
made under the authority of the Public Health Service Act, administered under
PHS grant policies and Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 45 CFR Part 74.
This program is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of
Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency.

STUDIES OF STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY AND PROTEIN STRUCTURE-FUNCTION RELEVANT TO
DIABETES, ENDOCRINOLOGY, AND GENETIC METABOLIC DISEASES
 
PA:  PA-90-25
 
P.T. 34; K.W. 0790000, 0760060, 0760070, 1002004, 1002008, 1002019, 0710070
 
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
 
PURPOSE
 
This announcement is intended to encourage the submission of applications
proposing research relevant to understanding the relationships between
structure and function of peptides and/or proteins and the role they play in
normal and disease-related processes.  Such understanding should also lead to
the design, synthesis, or engineering of new, biologically active

            NIH GUIDE - Vol. 19, No. 30, August 17, 1990 - Page 7
peptides/proteins with therapeutic potential in diabetes, endocrine disorders,
and genetic metabolic diseases.
 
DISCIPLINES AND EXPERTISE
 
Interdisciplinary approaches may be needed for the proposed studies.
Expertise required could span the following research areas:  biophysics,
computer-based structural analysis, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology,
immunology, genetics, and genetic or protein engineering.  Integration of
basic research approaches and development of techniques is encouraged.
 
BACKGROUND
 
The Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases (DDEM) supports
basic and clinical research and research training related to diabetes mellitus
and its complications, to endocrinology and a variety of endocrine diseases,
and to metabolism and various genetic metabolic diseases.  Studies on
structural biology, especially peptide/protein structure-function, are of
significant relevance to the DDEM.  Recent notable advances in this area
include:  development of area detectors that facilitate macromolecular X-ray
crystal diffraction data collection and analysis; availability of neutron
scattering facilities and other new biophysical approaches to macromolecular
structural analysis; development of new approaches to computerized
representation, manipulation, and analysis of three-dimensional structures;
and development of novel gene manipulation techniques including site-directed
mutagenesis.  These techniques allow the initiation of a broad variety of new
studies relevant to understanding peptide/protein structure-function.
 
OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE
 
The research project grant (R01) and FIRST grant (R29) applications submitted
in response to this announcement could propose studies on:
 
  o  Development of manual, semiautomated, and automated techniques for
     the purification and crystallization of soluble,
     membrane-associated, or integral membrane peptides and/or proteins.

  o  Analysis of crystallized peptide or protein structures by X-ray and
     neutron diffraction, image reconstruction, and other
     state-of-the-art technologies.
 
  o  Development of new approaches for the prediction of
     three-dimensional structures of peptides and proteins in solution,
     lipid-bilayers, and membranes, including the prediction of surface
     probability profiles and protein backbone structures.
 
  o  Development of new software algorithms and improvement of existing
     methods that will accelerate progress in the field of
     macromolecular simulations in structural biology.
 
  o  Enhancement of transcriptional and translational efficiency for
     over-expression of proteins from genes of interest, both endogenous
     and foreign, in eukaryotic or model prokaryotic systems.
 
  o  Elucidation of mechanisms for peptide/protein insertion and/or
     translocation across membranes.
 
  o  Design, synthesis, and engineering of new pharmacologically-active
     peptides and/or proteins.
 
  o  Structure-activity studies of peptides and/or proteins that
     integrate several of the above approaches.
 
The research areas exemplified above are not intended to be all inclusive.
There are, however, some specific limitations to the scope of this
announcement.  Thus:
 
  1. Peptides and/or proteins selected for study should be of mammalian
     or other vertebrate origin.  Peptides and/or proteins of
     prokaryotic origin, or of lower eukaryotic origin such as
     drosophila or yeast, should be proposed only as models for
     mammalian systems when information on the latter is not available.
     Studies proposed in these model systems should facilitate
     understanding of peptide/protein structure-function in mammalian
     systems.

 
            NIH GUIDE - Vol. 19, No. 30, August 17, 1990 - Page 8
  2. The peptides or proteins to be studied should have specific
     relevance to one of the following programmatic areas:  carbohydrate
     metabolism and its hormonal control; diabetes mellitus; peptide
     hormones, hormone receptors, and signal transmission; endocrine
     disorders; normal and abnormal processes of lipid, protein, amino
     acid, urea, purine, pyrimidine, metal ion, and steroid metabolism;
     genetic metabolic disorders, e.g., lysosomal storage diseases,
     diseases of peroxisomal metabolism, diseases of transport, diseases
     of amino and other organic acid metabolism, diseases of
     carbohydrate metabolism (other than diabetes mellitus), diseases of
     purine and pyrimidine metabolism, etc.
 
MECHANISM OF SUPPORT
 
The mechanism of support for this program will be the regular research project
and FIRST grants (R01 and R29).  The regulations (Code of Federal Regulation,
Title 42, Part 52 and, as applicable to the state and local governments, Title
45, Part 74) and policies which govern the research grants programs of the
National Institutes of Health will prevail.  Since a variety of approaches
would represent valid responses to this solicitation, it is anticipated that
there will be a range of costs among individual grants awarded.  With respect
to post award administration, the current policies and requirements that
govern the regular research grant programs of the NIH will prevail.
 
REVIEW PROCEDURES AND CRITERIA
 
Assignment of Application
 
Applications will be received by the NIH, Division of Research Grants (DRG),
referred to an appropriate Initial Review Group (IRG) for scientific merit
review, and the usual DRG referral guidelines will be followed in assignment
of applications.  Referral decisions will be governed by normal programmatic
considerations as specified in the Referral Guidelines of the NIH, DRG.  Some
applications may receive a dual assignment.
 
Review Procedures
 
Applications submitted in response to this solicitation will be reviewed on a
nationwide basis in accord with the usual NIH peer review procedures.
Applications will first be reviewed for scientific and technical merit by an
IRG composed primarily of non-federal scientific consultants, and then by the
National Advisory Council of the appropriate Institute(s).  The review
criteria customarily employed by the NIH will prevail.
 
Review Criteria
 
The factors to be considered in the evaluation of the scientific merit of each
application will be those used in the review of traditional research project
grant applications, including the novelty, originality, and feasibility of the
approach; the training experience and research competence of the
investigator(s); the adequacy of the experimental design; and the suitability
of the facilities.  The appropriateness of the requested budget to the work
proposed will also be assessed.
 
METHOD OF APPLYING:
 
Format for Application
 
Applications should be submitted on form PHS 398 (rev. 10/88), which is
available from the applicant institution's Office of Sponsored Research or
from the NIH Division of Research Grants.  Use the conventional format for
research project grant applications and ensure that the points identified in
this Program Announcement (PA), in the section on "Review Procedures and
Criteria", are fulfilled.  To identify the application as a response to this
PA, check "Yes" on item two of page one of the application and enter the title
"NIDDK:  Structural Biology in DEMD, PA-90-25."
 
Deadline
 
Applications will be accepted in accordance with the announced receipt dates
for new applications (see receipt dates and review schedule in application
kits).  This is an open-ended program which intends to provide interested
applicants the maximum flexibility they need to develop appropriate research
applications.

 

            NIH GUIDE - Vol. 19, No. 30, August 17, 1990 - Page 9
Application Procedure
 
The original and six copies of the application should be sent or delivered to:
 
Application Receipt
Division of Research Grants
National Institutes of Health
Westwood Building, Room 240
Bethesda, MD  20892**
 
Inquiries
 
Before submitting an application, and for further information, investigators
are strongly encouraged to contact the appropriate program staff listed below:
 
For the Endocrinology, Metabolic Diseases, and Cystic Fibrosis Research
Programs:
 
Robert Katz, Ph.D.
Deputy Chief, Endocrinology and Metabolic
Diseases Research Programs Branch,
DDEM, NIDDK, NIH
Westwood Building, Room 607
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  (301) 496-7997
 
For the Diabetes Research Programs:
 
Joan T. Harmon, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Diabetes Research Program
DDEM, NIDDK, NIH
Westwood Building, Room 622
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  (301) 496-7731
 
This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance, No.
13.847, Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases.  Awards will be made
under the authority of the Public Health Service Act, Title III, Section 301,
(Public Law 78-410, as amended; 42 USC 241) and administered under PHS grant
policies and Federal Regulations, most specifically at 42 CFR and CFR Part 74.
This program is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of
Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review.
 
**THE MAILING ADDRESS GIVEN FOR SENDING APPLICATIONS TO THE DIVISION OF
RESEARCH GRANTS OR CONTACTING PROGRAM STAFF IN THE WESTWOOD BUILDING IS THE
CENTRAL MAILING ADDRESS FOR THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH.  APPLICANTS WHO
USE EXPRESS MAIL OR A COURIER SERVICE ARE ADVISED TO FOLLOW THE CARRIER'S
REQUIREMENTS FOR SHOWING A STREET ADDRESS.  THE ADDRESS FOR THE WESTWOOD
BUILDING IS:
 
5333 Westbard Avenue
Bethesda, Maryland 20816

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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