Group items tagged

This initiative will foster collaborative and coordinated efforts to characterize the underlying genetic architecture of diverse neuropsychiatric phenotypes within and across rare genetic disorders and identify the shared genetic risk across rare and idiopathic neuropsychiatric disorders. Projects from multi-disciplinary teams will utilize genome-wide data to comprehensively assess the contribution of genetic variation to the variable expressivity and incomplete penetrance of neuropsychiatric phenotypes across rare genetic disorders. Projects are encouraged to leverage existing resources, cohorts, and collaborative networks with established infrastructure for consistent and high-quality phenotypic data collection and genomic data generation. Projects should seek to enhance the quality of the phenotypic data available for rare genetic disorders by developing or applying phenotyping methodologies that create a pipeline for standardizing assessments and that cut across rare genetic disorders and across developmental time points. Under this initiative, investigators will form a network to facilitate data sharing and harmonization of clinical and genetic data across different studies within the network, as well as accelerate characterization of genotype to phenotype relationships across rare genetic disorders. This network will also generate a resource of bio-samples, as well as phenotypic and genetic data for broader dissemination to the scientific community.

The goal of this FOA is to establish functional genotype-phenotype relationships of genetic variants, suspected of altering the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD), in neural cells using human induced pluripotent stem cells or other human cell reprogramming approaches. The causal linkage of AD-associated genetic variants identified in genome-wide association studies and genome sequencing studies to molecular and biological cell phenotypes in human neural cells is expected to give greater insight into molecular targets contributing to the etiology of AD. Studies of human genetics in human cells are essential to understanding the etiology of AD.

Epidemiological studies have shown that psychiatric disorders, constitute a significant public health burden across diverse populations worldwide. These mental disorders are characterized by marked genetic heterogeneity, with both common and rare variation contributing to the complex phenotypic outcomes. For reasons such as population homogeneity and ease of ascertainment, most genome-wide genetic studies to date have mainly focused on cohorts of European-ancestry, however, no single population is sufficient to fully uncover the variants underlying neuropsychiatric diseases in all populations. The absence of diverse ancestries in genome-wide association studies has therefore negatively impacted their ability to illuminate the full genetic architecture of complex neuropsychiatric traits. Populations with different ancestral origins vary in terms of allele frequencies, biological adaptations, and other properties that affect the detectability and importance of risk variants. Lack of ancestrally diverse genome-wide data can lead to the misidentification of causal variants due to cryptic population stratification or simply overlooking a causal variant altogether, since rare variants are likely to be more recent in origin and more geographically localized.

The Klarman Family Foundation is interested in providing strategic investment in translational research that will accelerate progress in developing effective treatments for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. The Program's short-term goal is to support the most outstanding science and expand the pool of scientists whose research explores the basic biology of feeding, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and/or binge eating disorder. The long-term goal is to improve the lives of patients suffering from these conditions. Examples of funding areas include but are not limited to molecular genetic analysis of relevant neural circuit assembly and function; genetic and epigenetic research; animal models created by genetically altering neural circuits; and testing of new chemical entities that might be used in animal models as exploratory treatments.  Please note that imaging studies involving humans are not eligible. Investigators conducting research in the neuro-circuitry of fear conditioning or reward behavior may also apply but must justify the relevance of their research projects to the basic biology of eating disorders. Clinical psychotherapeutic studies, medication trials and research in the medical complications of these disorders are outside the scope of this Program.

The purpose of this Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative is to encourage applications that will develop and validate novel tools to facilitate the detailed analysis of complex circuits and provide insights into cellular interactions that underlie brain function. The new tools and technologies should inform and/or exploit cell-type and/or circuit-level specificity. Plans for validating the utility of the tool/technology will be an essential feature of a successful application. The development of new genetic and non-genetic tools for delivering genes, proteins and chemicals to cells of interest or approaches that are expected to target specific cell types and/or circuits in the nervous system with greater precision and sensitivity than currently established methods are encouraged. Tools that can be used in a number of species/model organisms rather than those restricted to a single species are highly desired. Applications that provide approaches that break through existing technical barriers to substantially improve current capabilities are highly encouraged.

The purpose of this Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative is to encourage applications that will develop and validate novel tools to facilitate the detailed analysis of complex circuits and provide insights into cellular interactions that underlie brain function. The new tools and technologies should inform and/or exploit cell-type and/or circuit-level specificity. Plans for validating the utility of the tool/technology will be an essential feature of a successful application. The development of new genetic and non-genetic tools for delivering genes, proteins and chemicals to cells of interest or approaches that are expected to target specific cell types and/or circuits in the nervous system with greater precision and sensitivity than currently established methods are encouraged. Tools that can be used in a number of species/model organisms rather than those restricted to a single species are highly desired. Applications that provide approaches that break through existing technical barriers to substantially improve current capabilities are highly encouraged.

Through this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) seeks applications to develop, sustain, enhance, and enrich a centralized national biorepository for genetic studies of psychiatric disorders for facilitation and acceleration of the scientific understanding of the genetic risk architecture underlying mental disorders. This effort is expected to involve a functionally integrated, multi-disciplinary team that will provide for open sharing of biosamples and data resources through a single, centralized, national resource to advance basic and translational research in the genetics of mental disorders.

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is associated with the Beau Biden Cancer MoonshotSM Initiative that is intended to accelerate cancer research. The purpose of this FOA is to increase case ascertainment and optimize delivery of evidence-based healthcare for individuals at high risk of cancer due to an inherited genetic susceptibility. Specifically, this FOA targets the following area designated as a scientific priority by the Blue Ribbon Panel (BRP) Recommendation E: "To realize the potential of cancer prevention and early detection in our nation, NCI should sponsor an initiative to improve the current state of early detection, genetic testing, genetic counseling, and knowledge landscape of the mechanisms and biomarkers associated with cancer development. This initiative should include demonstration projects that will show how cancer screening programs can simultaneously save lives, improve quality of life, and reduce healthcare costs."

Genetic and genomic studies have identified genes and gene variants that may impact the fundamental biological mechanisms underpinning substance use disorders (SUDs).  Discovery of these genes/variants, while extremely valuable, is only the first step in understanding the molecular processes that influence SUDs. This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) encourages basic functional genetic and genomic research in two areas:  1. functional validation to determine which candidate genes/variants/epigenetic/non-coding RNA features have an authentic role in SUDs, and 2. detailed elucidation of the molecular pathways and processes modulated by candidate genes/variants, particularly for those genes with an unanticipated role in SUDs.   

To allow investigators time to plan and develop applications, the TSCRP is providing its strategic plan for award mechanisms to be offered in 2013 should funding become available. Congressional funds for the FY13 TSCRP have not yet been appropriated, and this document is not to be construed as an obligation by the government; there is no guarantee of funding for these planned mechanisms. Areas of Focus: The FY13 TSCRP encourages research projects applications that specifically address the critical needs of theTSC community in the following areas of focus: Genetic, epigenetic, and non-genetic modifiers of TSC. Identification and development of preclinical models and therapeutic strategies (e.g., cytotoxic agents, combination therapies). Identifying biomarkers for early detection, prognosis, and prediction of treatment outcomes (such as serum markers, imaging, electrophysiology, prenatal testing, and pharmacogenetics). Impact of TSC manifestations in adults (e.g., care management, age-specific pathogenesis, epidemiology, renal, reproductive issues, and lymphangioleiomyomatosis [LAM])). Long-term benefits and effects of mTOR inhibitors or other agents. Novel strategies for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of TSC manifestations including those geared toward early identification and intervention. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of TSC and LAM pathogenesis. Understanding the mechanism and improving the treatment of epilepsy in TSC. Understanding the mechanism and improving treatment of TSC-associated neurocognitive disorders (TAND) including cognitive impairment, and psychiatric, behavioral, and sleep disorders.

Research into the etiology and pathophysiology of PD has identified an increasing number of genetic and cellular targets where therapeutic intervention could benefit people with PD, including: Epidemiological studies that have identified both protective and risk factors for PD. Genetic studies that have implicated candidate genes whose protein products may underlie PD pathogenesis. Biochemical studies from cellular and whole organism model systems that point to biological pathways important in PD etiology and pathogenesis, as well as examination of cell death and trophic factor signaling pathways that have pointed to potential protective targets. Emerging understanding of dopamine neuronal development and maintenance in adulthood that has provided potential targets to restore/protect dopaminergic function in PD patients. Improved understanding of the neurochemistry and neurophysiology of the basal ganglia and related neuronal circuits that have suggested ways to alter neuronal function that could help treat motor and non-motor symptoms of PD not addressed by current therapeutics. Better understanding of the physiological and molecular pathways underlying treatment-induced complications that have revealed potential targets for interventions to ameliorate these troubling side effects.

The purpose of this Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative is to encourage applications that will develop and validate novel tools to facilitate the detailed analysis of complex circuits and provide insights into cellular interactions that underlie brain function. The new tools and technologies should confer a high degree of cell-type and/or circuit-level specificity. Validation of the utility of the tool/technology is an essential feature. A particular emphasis for this funding opportunity announcement (FOA) is the development of new genetic and non-genetic tools for delivering genes, proteins and chemicals to cells of interest; new approaches are also expected to target specific cell types and or circuits in the nervous system with greater precision and sensitivity than currently established methods. Tools developed through this initiative that can be used in a number of species/model organisms rather than those restricted to a single species are highly desired. Applications that provide approaches that break through existing technical barriers to substantially improve current capabilities are also encouraged.

There is a need to develop technologies that support research using zebrafish models of biomedical value. The zebrafish has become increasingly important as a biological resource, because of its small size, short generation time, easy manipulation of embryos and optical transparency. This animal model is used to study aspects of gene structure and function that can be directly related to human genetics and disease. Zebrafish are also important for studies in diverse disciplines, including pharmacology, toxicology, neurobiology, behavior and developmental biology. This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) encourages applications from small business concerns (SBCs) for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) projects that propose innovative research and development of technology, including reagents and high throughput equipment, to support different aspects of the creation, detection, identification and characterization of zebrafish models of human disease and preservation of genetic stocks.

The purpose of this Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative is to encourage applications that will develop and validate novel tools to facilitate the detailed analysis of complex circuits and provide insights into cellular interactions that underlie brain function. The new tools and technologies should inform and/or exploit cell-type and/or circuit-level specificity. Plans for validating the utility of the tool/technology will be an essential feature of a successful application. The development of new genetic and non-genetic tools for delivering genes, proteins and chemicals to cells of interest or approaches that are expected to target specific cell types and/or circuits in the nervous system with greater precision and sensitivity than currently established methods are encouraged. Tools that can be used in a number of species/model organisms rather than those restricted to a single species are highly desired. Applications that provide approaches that break through existing technical barriers to substantially improve current capabilities are highly encouraged.

The purpose of this Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative is to encourage applications that will develop and validate novel tools to facilitate the detailed analysis of complex circuits and provide insights into cellular interactions that underlie brain function. The new tools and technologies should inform and/or exploit cell-type and/or circuit-level specificity. Plans for validating the utility of the tool/technology will be an essential feature of a successful application. The development of new genetic and non-genetic tools for delivering genes, proteins and chemicals to cells of interest or approaches that are expected to target specific cell types and/or circuits in the nervous system with greater precision and sensitivity than currently established methods are encouraged. Tools that can be used in a number of species/model organisms rather than those restricted to a single species are highly desired. Applications that provide approaches that break through existing technical barriers to substantially improve current capabilities are highly encouraged.

1) genetically causal Parkinson's disease, especially for particular sub-types of Parkinson's Disease (PD), including genetic cohorts, biologically defined cohorts of idiopathic PD, or ethnic subgroups of idiopathic PD; 2) the differentiation of synucleinopathies (such as PD and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) from tauopathies (such as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal degeneration); or 3) to improve diagnostic differentiation between idiopathic/subtypes of PD and these disorders, as well as from Essential tremor.

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified statistical relationships between tens of thousands of common single nucleotide variants and over a thousand traits. Due to the correlated nature of nearby genetic variants, GWAS implicate regions of the genome and do not necessarily pinpoint the causal variant(s), gene(s) or mechanism(s) underlying the trait association. The purpose of this funding opportunity announcement is to support systematic fine-mapping of genome-wide significant risk loci associated with serious mental illnesses through robust statistical genetic and functional genomic approaches.

The John Templeton Foundation works to catalyze discoveries relating to the deepest and most perplexing questions facing humankind and supports research on a wide range of subjects, from complexity, evolution, and emergency to creativity, forgiveness, and free will. In support of this mission, the foundation is accepting applications for its Academic Cross-Training Fellowship. With the intent to help equip recently tenured philosophers and theologians with the skills and knowledge needed to study big questions that require substantive and high-level engagement with empirical science, the fellowship will provide up to $220,000 over three years to support systematic and sustained study in an empirical science such as physics, psychology, biology, genetics, cognitive science, neuroscience, or sociology.

The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to encourage cooperative agreement (U54) applications from multidisciplinary groups of investigators to accelerate the rate of progress in determining the functional, pharmacological, neuronal network and whole animal consequences of genetic variants discovered in patients with various types of epilepsy and to develop strategies for establishing diagnostic criteria and identifying potential targets for intervention.

The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to encourage cooperative agreement (U54) applications from multidisciplinary groups of investigators to accelerate the rate of progress in determining the functional, pharmacological, neuronal network and whole animal consequences of genetic variants discovered in patients with various types of epilepsy and to develop strategies for establishing diagnostic criteria and identifying potential targets for intervention.

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) invites applications that propose Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and/or Deep Learning (DL) approaches, collectively referred to here as "cognitive systems," that lead to the identification of gene mutations/variants that cause or contribute to the risk of or protection against the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Alzheimer's disease related dementias (ADRD) via analysis of a variety of genetic, genomic, and biomarker data that are currently available to the research community.