Fellowships, Grants, & Awards.

Role of Hormones and Growth Factors in Prostate Cancer

This initiative will explore the mechanisms of action of hormones and growth factors in the regulation of prostate development, growth, and tumorigenesis, focusing on studies of hormone and growth factor action including the mechanisms of action of nuclear hormones, the roles of nuclear accessory proteins, and the signal transduction pathways important for nuclear hormone action in the prostrate. Focus will also be on growth factor action in the prostrate, including growth factors, binding proteins, receptors, and signal transduction pathway. Studies may also examine the patterns of gene expression in the prostrate in vivo or in prostrate cells in response to hormone or growth factor action. Moreover, since there are some studies that indicate that environmental factors also increase the risk for development of prostate cancer, an additional focus will be on studies that explore the role of environmental factors in affecting hormonal/growth factor action in the prostate. Finally, studies on the development and potential use of hormone/growth factor analogs, agonists, or antagonists with potential clinical utility to modify prostate growth and tumor development and/or progression are encouraged.

Studies may include but are not limited to 1) hormone/growth factor regulation of prostate development, function, growth, or tumor development; 2) novel cell culture or transgenic model systems that allow for study in vitro or in vivo of gene expression in prostate or prostate cells; 3) novel factors associated with nuclear hormone action in the prostate involved in tumorigenesis; 4) orphan nuclear receptors with roles in prostate structure, function, or disease development or progression; 5) structural biology of the androgen receptor focusing on interactions with other receptor interacting proteins, coactivators or corepressors, hormone, or hormone response elements; 6) roles of heat shock or other chaperone proteins in regulating hormone function in the prostate; 7) use of DNA arrays, bioinformatics approaches to proteomics, or in silico methods of analysis to evaluate gene expression during growth factor or hormone signaling among different cells in the prostate during development, stages of tumor development, or tumor progression; 8) mechanism of action of nuclear hormones working through nonreceptor-mediated events leading to the initiation of cancer in prostate cells; or 9) roles of environmental factors that may interact with or influence the effects of hormones and growth factors on prostate growth, development, or tumor development.

For FY 2001, a total of $4.6 million has been committed by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the National Institute on Aging, the National Cancer Institute, and the NIEHS to fund approximately 20-25 grants. Applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent by 27 February 2001, with final applications due 27 March 2001. Additional information is available on the Internet at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/ rfa-files/RFA-CA-01-009.html.

Contact: Ronald Margolis, Molecular Endocrinology, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases, NIDDK, 6707 Democracy Boulevard, Room 6107, Bethesda, MD USA 20892-5460, 301-594-8819, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]; Frank Bellino, Biology of Aging Program, NIA, Gateway Building, Suite 2C231, Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 USA, 301-496-6402, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]; Suresh Mohla, Tumor Biology and Metastasis Branch, Division of Cancer Biology, NCI, 6130 Executive Boulevard, EPN Suite 5000, Rockville, MD 20892-7364 USA, 301-435-1878, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]; Michael E. McClure, Organs and Systems Toxicology Branch, Division of Extramural Research and Training, NIEHS, PO Box 12233, Mail Drop EC-23, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 USA, 919-541-5327, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Reference: RFA No. DK-01-008

Botanical/Drug Interactions

The main objective of this initiative is to encourage biomedical research in order to prevent adverse botanical/drug interactions during therapy or anesthesia, to establish possible synergistic combinations of botanicals with pharmaceutical drugs, and to increase our knowledge of the mechanisms of action of botanicals. Letters of intent are requested by 10 November 2000 for applications that are due 12 January 2001.

The proposed initiative will stimulate investigator-initiated biomedical research on botanical/drug interactions in vitro, in animal models, and in Phase I or II or case-control clinical studies. The Phase I or II clinical studies are expected to examine the uptake, bioavailability, or pharmacodynamics of the botanical/drug combination in contrast to these parameters when the herbal or drug is administered alone. Proposals are invited that explore the cellular and molecular effects of botanicals in interactive paradigms with proprietary drugs, or studies that may help to predict the effects of the botanicals on drug action and metabolism in vivo. The case-control studies should be aimed at elucidating the relationship between a botanical product and specific adverse events in the presence of a proprietary drug.

This request for applications will use the NIH R01 and the NCCAM R21 award mechanisms. Applications are to be submitted on grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 4/98). Additional information is available on the Internet at http://grants.nih.gov/ grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AT-00-004.html.

Contact: Neal B. West, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Building 31, Room 5B58, Bethesda, MD 20892-2182 USA, 301-402-5867, fax: [phone], e-mail: westn@ od.nih.gov; Jeffrey D. White, Director, Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Cancer Institute, Executive Plaza North, Suite 102, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA, 301-435-7980, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail], Internet: http:// occam.nci.nih.gov/. Reference: RFA AT-00-004

Asthma Surveillance and Interventions

Two cooperative agreement awards are available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for asthma surveillance and interventions in hospital emergency rooms. Specifically, this program seeks to implement and evaluate a sentinel surveillance system designed to monitor trends in and reasons for receiving asthma care in hospital emergency departments, and develop and implement interventions to improve asthma care and to use the surveillance data to evaluate these interventions.

Eligible applicants are limited to colleges, universities, and medical schools affiliated with nonprofit hospitals. Awards will average $250,000 per year.

Contact: Pamela Meyer, Air Pollution and Respiratory Health Branch, CDC, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop E-17, Atlanta, GA 30333 USA, 404-639-2545, e-mail: [e-mail]. Reference: PA No. 000101

Diabetes Self-Management in Minority Populations

This program announcement solicits applications for investigator-initiated research related to sociocultural, environmental, and behavioral mechanisms and biological/technological factors that contribute to successful and ongoing self-management of diabetes mellitus in minority populations. Applications that expand accepted intervention strategies in majority populations to minority populations are encouraged. Testing new interventions designed to promote self-management in minority diabetes populations will also be considered responsive to the announcement. Self-management is defined as client strategies and behaviors that contribute to blood glucose normalization, improved health, and prevention or reduction of complications; the concept is broader than adherence to specific regimen components and incorporates deliberate problem solving and decision making processes. Applications are encouraged for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes and all age groups.

The target populations are ethnic minorities, although comparison studies may include a Caucasian group when warranted and when sample sizes are proportionate. Intervention proposals are solicited, especially those to test accepted strategies not adequately evaluated in minority populations.

The following research topics are provided as examples that would extend research currently funded by NIH. They are not listed in any priority order and are not intended to be inclusive or restrictive: 1) determine ways to accurately measure cultural/ethnic differences in self-management behaviors; 2) determine the influence of particular cultural/ethnic group differences in diabetes self-management behaviors and outcomes (for example, variations in blood glucose testing, symptom management, healthy behaviors); 3) evaluate interventions for minority children or adolescents that incorporate family, health care providers, school staff, support systems, and psychosocial factors; 4) identify culture- or ethnic-specific facilitators and barriers relevant to self-management across the lifespan; 5) investigate the influence of age, diet, education, environment, financial status, and physical activity in diabetes self-management in minority ethnic groups; 6) investigate the efficacy of academic or health care provider agency collaborations with community-based organizations in the implementation of and adherence to self-management protocols, as this relates to social support mechanisms (i.e., social capital, which may be defined as social interactions that positively impact individuals and/or communities); 7) determine the influence of social support, burden of care, coping skills, quality of life, and self-efficacy on diabetes self-management in minority groups; 8) test interventions previously shown to be effective and efficacious in majority populations within or across minority ethnic populations; 9) test interventions and delivery systems that involve minority populations in active participation in self-management and related problem solving; 10) examine physiological, genetic, and environmental factors that affect response to metabolic control and self-management in minority populations; 11) determine the efficacy of technologies associated with self-management in minority populations (for example, glucose monitoring, computer-based communications and strategies, insulin pumps); and 12) evaluate the influence of neighborhood characteristics on self-management capabilities (e.g., available venues for safe indoor and outdoor exercise and accessibility of fresh produce and other health-promoting foods).

Applications are to be submitted in grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 4/98) and will be accepted at the standard application deadlines as indicated in the application kit. Additional information is available on the Internet at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/ guide/pa-files/PA-00-113.html.

Contact: Nell Armstrong, Division of Extramural Activities, National Institute of Nursing Research, Building 45, Room Number 3AN12, MSC 6300, Bethesda, MD 20892-6300 USA, 301-594-5973, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Reference: PA No. PA-00-113

Earth-Based Research Relevant to the Space Environment

The purpose of this program announcement is to stimulate ground-based research on basic, applied, and clinical biomedical and behavioral problems that are relevant to human space flight or that could use the space environment as a laboratory. Although none of the research supported under this initiative would be conducted in space, it is anticipated that it would form a basis for future competitively reviewed studies that could be conducted on the International Space Station or other space flight opportunities by skilled on-board specialists.

Potential areas of research could include neuroscience, musculoskeletal biology, immunology, cardiovascular functioning, integrative physiology, cognition and problem solving under stress and isolation, pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism and drug delivery, and the diagnosis and treatment of diseases or injury by both ground support and space flight crews. Use of hyper- or hypogravity as research tools or models is encouraged. Access to National Aeronautics and Space Administration facilities may be provided. It is anticipated that ground-based research supported through this program may ultimately lead to the submission of space flight proposals to NASA. Research proposals should take into account per biomedical and fundamental research already conducted during space flight.

The participating agencies encourage submission of applications that include, but are not limited to, the following possible areas of ground-based research utilizing both animal and human subjects: 1) spatial orientation and sensory/motor processes. 2) nervous system, 3) behavioral and psychological processes, 4) musculoskeletal system, 5) pulmonary function, 6) cardiovascular function, 7) sleep and biological rhythms, 8) immunology, 9) pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, 10) hemodynamics, and 11) injury. Additional information is available on the Internet at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/ pa-files/PA-00-088.html.

Contact: Andrew A. Monjan, Neurobiology of Aging Branch, Neuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging Program, National Institute on Aging, 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 3C307, MSC 9205, Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 USA, 301-496-9350, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]; Daniel A. Sklare, Hearing and Balance/Vestibular Sciences Branch, Division of Extramural Research, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, Executive Plaza South, 6120 Executive Boulevard, Room 400C, MSC7180, Bethesda, MD 20892-7180 USA, 301-496-1804, fax: [phone], e-mail; [e-mail]; Richard W. Lymn, Muscle Biology Program, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, Natcher Building, Room 5AS49E, Bethesda, MD 20892-6500 USA, 301-594-5128, fax: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]; James P. Kiley, Division of Lung Diseases, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 10018, Bethesda, MD 20892-7952 USA, 301-435-0233, fax: [phone], e-mail: kileyj@ nih.gov; Jaylan S. Turkkan, Behavioral Sciences Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 6001 Executive Boulevard, MSC 9555, Bethesda, MD 207897 USA, 301-435-0233, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]; Antonio Noronha, Division of Basic Research, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 6000 Executive Boulevard, MSC 7003, Bethesda, MD 20892-7003 USA, 301-443-7722, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]; Scott D. Somers, Division of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biological Chemistry, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, Natcher Building, 45 Center Drive, Room 2AS49A, MSC 6200, Bethesda, MD 20892-6200 USA, 301-594-5560, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. nih.gov; William J. Heetderks, Neural Prosthesis Program, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Neuroscience Center, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 2207, Bethesda, MD 20892-9525 USA, 301-496-1447, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]; Kenneth Gruber, Chronic Diseases Branch, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Natcher Building, Room 4AN-24, Bethesda, MD 20892-6402 USA, 301-594-4800, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]; Carol Shreffler, Training and Career Development Programs, Division of Extramural Research and Training, NIEHS, PO Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 USA, 919-541-1445, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]; David R. Liskowsky, Fundamental Biology Program, Life Sciences Division, Code UL, NASA, 300 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20546 USA, 202-358-1963, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Reference: PA No. PA-00-088

Asthma and Allergic Diseases Research Centers

The National InstitUte of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the NIEHS invite applications for Asthma and Allergic Diseases Research Centers (AADRCs). This program is designed to support basic and clinical research on mechanisms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of asthma and allergic diseases. Applications are to be designed around a central scientific theme demonstrating relevance to one or more of these diseases. A minimum of three biomedical research projects must be proposed.

The purpose of the AADRC program is to accelerate the development and application of fundamental knowledge of the immune system to investigations of asthma and allergic diseases. The AADRCs provide an infrastructure and a collaborative environment that make it possible to investigate complex clinical problems. The major goals of the program are to advance understanding of the etiology and pathogenic mechanisms of asthma and allergic diseases and apply an expanded knowledge base to the development of improved methods of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of asthma and allergic diseases.

The goal of this announcement is to support multidisciplinary research programs focused on studies of immunologic and other mechanisms underlying human asthma and allergic diseases. NIEHS support will be provided for research centers and/or subprojects focused on basic, preclinical, and clinical research on the role of environmental factors in disease onset, progression, and severity. The application should include an appropriate balance of basic and clinical research, but with a major emphasis on human studies.

The scientific scope of this program encompasses immunologically mediated inflammation and the role of innate and adaptive immunity as they pertain to asthma and allergic diseases. Preference for funding will be given to research in the following scientific areas: 1) developmental immunobiology of asthma and allergic diseases--evaluating events in the perinatal period, infancy, and childhood, including exposure to indoor allergens and other environmental agents that modulate IgE and other immune responses relevant to these diseases; 2) defining asthma phenotypes--characterizing the expression of asthma in relation to underlying mechanisms that distinguish distinct subsets of asthmatic patients; and 3) translational research from animal models to humans, particularly focused on new immune therapies for asthma and allergic diseases, including studies that are proof of concept in man.

Prospective applicants should submit a letter of intent to Dr. Madelon Halula at the address listed below by 8 November 2000. Final applications are due 8 January 2001. Additional information is available on the Internet at http://grants.nih.gov/ grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AI-00-012.html.

Contact: Madelon Halula, Division of Extramural Activities, NIAID, 6700-B Rockledge Drive, Room 2150, MSC 7616, Bethesda, MD 20892-7616 USA, 301-496-2636, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]; Kenneth Adams, Asthma and Inflammation Section, Asthma, Allergy, and Inflammation Branch, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation, NIAID, 6700-B Rockledge Drive, Room 5147, Bethesda, MD 20892-7640 USA, 301-496-8973, fax: [phone], email: [e-mail]; George Malindzak, Program Administrator, Organ and Systems Toxicology Branch, Division of Extramural Research and Training, NIEHS, PO Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 USA, 919-541-3289, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Reference: RFA No. AI-00-012