Notice Number: NOT-DK-16-007

Key Dates
Release Date: March 9, 2016

Issued by
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Purpose

In a continuing effort to support emerging fields in nonmalignant hematology research, NIDDK is pleased to announce funding and changes in the research objectives for PAS-16-033 "Stimulating Hematology Investigation: New Endeavors (R01)". This Notice provides details of the changes.

The NIDDK SHINE program (PAS-16-033) has set aside approximately $750,000 to make approximately 3-4 awards in addition to those funded in accordance with NIDDK FY 2016 funding policies. These funds will be used for highly meritorious applications received in response to PAS-16-033 in the specific scientific areas mentioned below.

(1) As announced in the inauguration of the SHINE program (PAS-10-046, the predecessor of PAS-16-033), specific topic areas will change in order to meet timely needs and opportunities for hematology research. Applicants are encouraged to contact NIDDK Scientific/Research staff to discuss plans for preparation of an R01 application.

(2) With the publication of this Notice, the following SHINE-eligible topics are encouraged:

• Regulatory Determinants of Hematopoietic Stem Cell fate. See: NOT-DK-12-007.
• Role of Noncoding RNA in Hematopoiesis. See: NOT-DK-14-001.
• Role of Macrophages in Blood Cell Development. See: NOT-DK-15-011.
• Effects of Aging on Hematopoiesis. See next paragraph.

(3) The addition of the "Effects of Aging on Hematopoiesis" topic was informed by an NIDDK-sponsored workshop held on January 28-29, 2016 in collaboration with the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Click here to view the workshop agenda. Some examples of relevant research goals include, but are not limited to:

• Are changes in the relative contributions of Hematopoietic Stem Cells vs. Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells to blood production a hallmark of aging? Does such a shift contribute to benign hematopoietic diseases?
• What are the regulatory factors governing aged hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells choices for quiescence, renewal, cell division, senescence and apoptosis?
• What are the systemic, microenvironmental, and cellular factors that contribute to dysregulation, expansion or contraction of the myeloid hematopoietic cell lineages with age? Are cell-intrinsic changes coordinated or integrated with extrinsic signals during aging of the hematopoietic system?
• Is the bone marrow niche remodeled during aging? Do certain niches generate particular outcomes?
• How are intrinsic changes integrated with extrinsic signals during aging of the hematopoietic system?
• Is the bone marrow niche remodeled during aging? Do certain niches generate particular outcomes?
• How do hematopoietic metabolic processes (DNA repair, energy production, autophagy) change with age? What is the impact on blood cell production and survival?
• Can these hematopoietic metabolic processes be modified in vivo to promote rejuvenation of the blood cell compartment?

(4) With the publication of this Notice, June 5, 2016 (for New applications) and July 5, 2016 (For renewal, resubmission and revision applications) will be the final standard receipt dates of the SHINE topic of "Biology and Pathophysiology of Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)". NIDDK Hematology program still accepts applications for this topic through the NIH "Parent" R01 FOA, PA-13-302.

Inquiries

Please direct all inquiries regarding Iron; Heme Biosynthesis; Bone Marrow Failure/Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Terminal Erythropoiesis to:

Cindy N. Roy, Ph.D.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Telephone: 301-594-8805
Email: cindy.roy@nih.gov