Notice of Intent to Publish a Request for Applications: Genetic Research Centers (GRCs) for the NIDDK Inflammatory Bowel Disease Genetics Consortium (IBDGC) (U01)

Notice Number: NOT-DK-12-003

Release Date: November 3, 2011

NOT-DK-12-002

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

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) intends to promote a new initiative by publishing a Request for Applications (RFA) to solicit applications for Genetic Research Centers (GRCs) for the NIDDK Inflammatory Bowel Disease Genetics Consortium (IBDGC). During its first ten years of existence, the IBDGC has been a major contributor to the identification of more than 100 susceptibility genes for IBD. However, there still remain many susceptibility genes to be identified, and the mechanisms by which variants of even the identified genes influence disease risk have barely begun to be understood. During its next funding period, the IBDGC will identify additional susceptibility genes and explore the individual and combined effects of risk variants on patterns of gene expression, metabolite abundance, and measures of immune system activity, and integrate these observations with studies of the composition and function of the intestinal microbiota, in order to advance our understanding of the mechanisms by which genetic variants influence the onset and course of IBD. The IBDGC may also elect to study patterns of chromatin modification and protein expression. The GRCs will enroll additional patients and controls into the study, collect blood samples as a source of DNA, and other tissue samples as required for measuring IBD-related phenotypes, and collaborate in carrying out the studies noted above. The investigators of the GRCs will staff the various committees of the IBDGC responsible for making decisions about various aspects of its operations. The Principal Investigators (PIs) of the GRCs shall participate as voting members of the Steering Committee responsible for decisions about operations of the IBDGC, as well as its internal policies and collaborations with nonmember investigators. The GRCs will be required to act in accordance with all decisions of the Steering Committee.

This Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects.

The FOA is expected to be published in the Winter of 2011/12 with an expected receipt date in Spring, 2012.

This FOA will utilize the U01 activity code. Details of the planned Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) are provided below.

This Notice encourages investigators with expertise and insights in genetics of IBD to begin to consider applying for this new FOA.

In addition, collaborative investigations combining expertise in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, epigenomics, mucosal immunology, and intestinal microbiology will be encouraged and these investigators should also begin to consider collaborating on applications.

Among the areas of research encouraged in this initiative are clinical gastroenterology, genomics, mucosal immunology, and intestinal microbiology research examining the mechanisms that underlie inflammatory bowel disease.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOT BEING SOLICITED AT THIS TIME.

Please direct all inquiries to:

Robert W. Karp, Ph.D.
Program Director, Genetics and Genomics
Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive, and Kidney Diseases
6707 Democracy Boulevard, Rm. 671, MSC 5450
Bethesda, MD 20892-5450 (US postal service express or regular mail)
Bethesda, MD 20817 (for express/courier service, non USPS service)
Telephone (301) 451-8875; FAX, (301) 480-8300
karpr@mail.nih.gov