The Wake Forest Primate Signature Program provides access to nonhuman primates (NHPs) and related resources for studies that advance the CTSA network’s translational research. The objective is to facilitate the collection of data from NHPs in support of applications for extramural funding. To assist new NHP researchers, the award mechanism is intended to support project expenses and labor costs locally at Wake Forest and excludes PI effort and associated F&A from collaborating institutions. The award includes faculty and technical support for in vivo studies, with no requirement for the awardee to be on-site. Ex vivo and data projects can be supported by sending data or samples to the investigator as needed.
The Vervet Research Colony (VRC) consists of approximately 350 Caribbean-origin vervet monkeys (aka African green monkeys; Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus), spanning neonatal to geriatric ages. The colony includes spontaneously hypertensive animals, as well as a small cohort of insulin-resistant and diabetic subjects for use in metabolic research. The animals, as well as extensive lifespan phenotypic, tissue, and data repositories are available for use.
Wake Forest is offering up to $40K in awards in 2023. They will consider scientific requests that translate preclinical or clinical observations and prioritize non-terminal studies or biorepository samples sourced from the VRC animals. Archived biorepository samples (plasma/serum/CSF/urine), tissues, data, CT and MRI imaging, reproductive histories, phenotypic data which includes morphometrics, lipids, and metabolic syndrome criteria as part of the study design are available. Examples of repository studies include age-related differences in lipoprotein character and function, longitudinal measures of the microbiome, or genomics. These data can facilitate longitudinal, cross-sectional, or cohort type studies.
Statement of Eligibility
The submitting Principal Investigator (PI) must be a faculty member or KL2 Scholar from a CTSA supported institution external to Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Collaborations with Wake Forest University School of Medicine faculty are encouraged.
Researchers from the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Inova, and/or Carilion Clinic are eligible to submit proposals.
Application Process
Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent (1 page maximum) by April 28, 2023. Please use Chrome or Firefox browser to activate the survey link.
An invitation to apply, or notification that you have not been selected, will be sent by May 3, 2023.
Please email primates@wakehealth.edu for answers to any questions and guidance in developing a proposal. The Wake Forest team is available to answer questions about availability and feasibility of all ideas you may have.
Filed Under: Research