The overall objective of this FOA is to provide enhanced understanding of genetic, genomic, and epigenetic factors contributing to biological processes for individual variation in sensitivity, the development of tolerance, and progression to AUD. The projects under this FOA will develop innovative strategies integrating both experimental and bioinformatics approaches to establish causality for candidate genes from GWAS and linkage studies and to provide insights into genetic mechanisms of alcohol sensitivity and the development of tolerance through investigation of genomic, epigenetic, or transcriptional variation, and gene network and pathway analyses. Applicants are encouraged to consider model systems in which these complex relationships can be better studied under defined genetic backgrounds and well-controlled environmental conditions.
Specific Areas of Research Interest
Examples of potential research topics include, but are not limited to:
- minimal standardization of methodologies used to search for genes that contribute to alcohol sensitivity and tolerance to facilitate combining multiple data sets within and across studies for meta-analysis
- meta-analyses of large-scale genomic resources incorporating GWAS, transcriptional profiling studies, and epigenetic studies on humans and model organisms to gain insights into the genetic bases of alcohol sensitivity and tolerance
- studies of candidate genes, loci and genetic variants identified through GWAS and sequencing of relevant genes that focus on in-depth evaluations of multiple generations of human families and pedigrees in animals
- studies of candidate genes/loci and genetic variants for regulatory roles for tissue-specific gene expression, and for contributions to biological pathways and networks.
- translational research in model organisms utilizing state-of-the-art gene-editing and gene delivery approaches for in vivo validation of candidate genes, genetic variations, and gene networks from studies in humans
- studies on epigenetic modifications and underlying mechanisms in mediating alcohol effects, for example, heritable gene expression changes in specific brain regions and organ systems that govern the behavioral consequences related to tolerance and AUD.
Deadlines: standard dates and standard AIDS dates apply
URL: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-18-660.html
Filed Under: Funding Opportunities