Request for Information (RFI): Challenges and Opportunities for Exploring and Understanding the Epitranscriptome

Notice Number:

NOT-RM-15-007

Key Dates

Release Date: December 2, 2014

Response Date: January 10, 2015

Related Announcements

None

Issued by

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Office of Strategic Coordination (Common Fund)

Purpose

The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to solicit feedback from the community on the scientific challenges, opportunities, and tool/technology needs in the area of RNA chemical modifications (sometimes referred to as epitranscriptomics), with the ultimate goal of accelerating our understanding of the roles of RNA modifications in human health, development and disease.

Background

Chemical modifications of DNA, RNA, and protein play a crucial role in the regulation of biological processes. While we have achieved a considerable understanding of the functions of DNA and protein modifications, the biological roles of the vast majority of the >100 known RNA modifications are poorly understood as is the extent to which they occur in various classes of RNA or in particular cell types. Recent work suggests that at least some of these modifications (e.g., N-6-methyladenosine) have critical and previously unappreciated functional roles. Your response to this RFI will help NIH assess the scientific challenges, opportunities, and tool/technology needs in this scientific area.

Information Requested

Your comments can include but are not limited to the following areas:

1. Scientific Gaps and Challenges. Chief challenges, gaps or limitations in our understanding of the role of RNA modifications in health and disease.

2. Tools and Technologies. Tools or technologies which are most critical for improving our ability to monitor, manipulate or predict the presence of RNA modifications.

3. Scientific Opportunities. Fffects of recent discoveries or advances that created any special opportunities at this time for transformative advances in this area.

4. RNA Classes and Model Systems. The particular classes of RNAs (messenger RNAs, long non-coding RNAs, small RNAs, etc.) or model systems that should be more fully characterized for the presence of functionally relevant RNA modification. Model systems that have particular or underappreciated utility in understanding the functions of RNA modifications in human health and disease.

5. Biological and Disease Processes. Intersections between RNA modification biology and other specific biological processes or diseases that should be a high priority for future investigations.

How to Submit a Response

Responses should be emailed to epitranscriptomics@mail.nih.gov and must be received by January 10, 2015 in order to be considered.

Responses to this RFI are voluntary. Any personal identifiers (e.g., names, addresses, e-mail addresses, etc.) will be removed when responses are compiled. Only the de-identified comments will be used. Proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should not be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s). Respondents will not receive individualized feedback concerning their responses.

This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and should not be construed as a solicitation or as an obligation on the part of the Federal Government, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and/or the NIH Common Fund. The NIH does not intend to make any awards based on responses to this RFI or to otherwise pay for the preparation of any information submitted or for the Government's use of such information.

Inquiries

John Satterlee, Ph.D.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Phone: 301-435-1020
Email: satterleej@nida.nih.gov

John Knowlton, Ph.D.
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Phone: 240-276-6210
Email: Jk339o@nih.gov