Purpose:
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the ODS invite applications for new R01 and R21 grants, which are focused on research leading to the elucidation of mechanism(s) by which dietary factors influence epigenetic processes as well as increase the understanding of these processes in cancer prevention. The approach is to encourage collaboration between nutrition and epigenetic/DNA methylation experts to study bioactive food components with cancer preventive properties and to examine key epigenetic events in cancer processes (ie, carcinogen metabolism, cell division, differentiation, apoptosis) so that investigators can begin to establish linkages between epigenetics, methylation pattern, and tumor incidence/behavior. It is anticipated that the information gained will provide guidance for the development of dietary intervention strategies for cancer prevention. In addition to the present announcement, the NCI and the ODS announce a related initiative about diet, DNA methylation and other epigenetic events, and cancer prevention using an additional funding mechanism: Competing Supplements for existing NCI awardees (<http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-02-175.html>), which can extend the goals of active grants to include studies related to the impact of diet and nutrition on epigenetic events. Contact individuals listed under “Contact” of this RFA for further information. This RFA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) research project grant (R01) and exploratory/developmental grants (R21) as award mechanisms. As an applicant, you will be solely responsible for planning, directing, and executing the proposed project. Future unsolicited, competing-continuation applications based on this project will compete with all investigator-initiated applications and will be reviewed according to the customary peer review procedures. This RFA uses just-in-time concepts. It also uses the modular as well as the non-modular budgeting formats (see <http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/modular/modular.htm>). Specifically, if you are submitting an application with direct costs in each year of $250,000 or less, use the modular format. Otherwise, follow the instructions for nonmodular research grant applications.
Term/Amount:
NCI intends to commit approximately $2.5 million in FY 2004 to fund 7 to 10 grants in response to this RFA. The ODS intends to commit up to $800,000 in FY 2004 to fund three to four grants in response to this RFA. An R01 applicant may request a project period of up to 4 years. An R21 applicant may request a project period of up to 2 years and a budget for direct costs of up to $100,000 per year. Because the nature and scope of the proposed research will vary from application to application, it is anticipated that the size and duration of each award will also vary. Although the financial plans of the NCI and the ODS provide support for this program, awards pursuant to this RFA are contingent on the availability of funds and the receipt of a sufficient number of meritorious applications. At this time, it is not known if this RFA will be reissued.
Contact:
We encourage inquiries concerning this RFA and welcome the opportunity to answer questions from potential applicants. Inquiries may fall into three areas: scientific/research, peer review, and financial or grants management issues. Direct your questions about scientific/research issues related to diet and cancer prevention to Dr. Sharon A. Ross, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, 6130 Executive Blvd., Room 3157, Bethesda, MD 20892; tel: 301-594-7547; fax: 301-480-3925; e-mail: sr75k@nih.gov. Direct your questions about scientific/research issues related to dietary supplements to Rebecca B. Costello, PhD, Office of Dietary Supplements, Office of Disease Prevention, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, 6100 Executive Blvd., Room 3B01, MSC 7517, Bethesda, MD 20892-7517; tel: 301-435-2920; fax: 301-480-1845; e-mail: CostellB@od.nih.gov. Direct your questions about peer review issues to Referral Officer, National Cancer Institute, Division of Extramural Activities, 6116 Executive Blvd., Room 8041, MSC 8329, Bethesda, MD 20892-8329; tel: 301-496-3428; fax: 301-402-0275; e-mail: ncidearefof@mail.nih.gov. Direct your questions about financial or grants management matters to Jane Paull, Grants Administration Branch, National Cancer Institute, 6120 Executive Blvd., EPS-243, Bethesda, MD 20892; tel: 301-496-2182; fax: 301-496-8601; e-mail: paullj.gab@nci.nih.gov. Prospective applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent that includes the following information: descriptive title of the proposed research; name, address, and telephone number of the principal investigator; names of other key personnel; participating institutions; and number and title of this RFA. Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the review of a subsequent application, the information that it contains allows NCI staff to estimate the potential review workload and plan the review. The letter of intent should be sent to Dr. Sharon A. Ross, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, 6130 Executive Blvd., Room 3157, Bethesda, MD 20892; tel: 301-594-7547; fax: 301-480-3925; e-mail: sr75k@nih.gov.
Deadlines:
Letter of intent receipt date: February 18, 2003; application receipt date: March 18, 2003; peer review date: June-July, 2003; council review: September 2003; earliest anticipated start date: December 2003.
