Notice Number: NOT-DA-07-030

Key Dates
Release Date: September 25, 2007

Issued by
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), (http://www.nida.nih.gov)

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) intends to publish a Request for Applications (RFA) in the fall of 2007 for research grant proposals to study the effects of drugs of abuse on glial function, glial-neural interactions, and glial regulation of nervous system processes. Glia contribute to nervous system structure and function by guiding neural development and synaptogenesis, participating in neural circuit formation, homeostatic regulation of neuronal function and neuroplasticity, and providing protection against neuronal damage. Interactions within glial-neuronal and glial-glial networks direct and coordinate neuronal function and are critical in the promotion of neuroadaptations.  Prolonged glial activation can also be detrimental, producing neurotoxicity, brain damage and chronic pain.

Recent findings indicate that glia express neurotransmitter receptors and transporters that are targets of abused substances, and therefore, it is expected that drugs of abuse will substantially affect glial function and communication. However, little is known about the consequences of drug-glia interaction on regulation of nervous system processes, or how abnormal glial regulation may contribute to the development of substance abuse disorders. The goal of this RFA is to solicit basic research applications aimed at understanding the mechanisms of how substance abuse affects glial cell function as it pertains to disrupting or altering communication and cross-talk between glia and neurons, and glial modulation of synaptic function and plasticity. Research proposals from a broad range of scientific disciplines, using molecular, cellular or systems level of analytical approaches, will be encouraged.

Inquiries

For further information regarding this potential RFA, please contact:

Roger G Sorensen, PhD, MPA
Division of Basic Neurosciences and Behavioral Research
National Institute on Drug Abuse
6001 Executive Boulevard, MSC 9555
Bethesda, MD 20892
Phone:  301-443-3205
Fax:      301-594-6043
E-mail:  rsorense@mail.nih.gov

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