Fellowships: human embryonic stem cell research.

The purpose of this program announcement (PA) is to increase the number of biomedical scientists who are pursuing research involving human embryonic stem cells (HESCs). The recent availability of HESCs for federally funded research affords a unique opportunity for investigators to use these cells to address research questions of interest to the mission of the NIH and its component institutes and centers.

Although HESCs have great potential to yield important information on the fundamental properties of cells and disease processes, remarkably little is known about the properties of HESCs that distinguish them from more differentiated cells. Furthermore, very few scientists have had the opportunity to be trained in their use, or to explore the questions that can be addressed to advantage using HESCs. As a result, only a few postdoctoral fellows and established investigators are currently engaged in HESC research, and more investigators must be trained to accelerate the pace of HESC research. Indeed, the NIH Stern Cell Task Force has identified the paucity of skilled researchers and lack of training environments for career enrichment as an important limiting step in the advancement of HESC research.

This PA specifically aims to encourage applications for F32 individual postdoctoral fellowships from promising candidates with the potential to become productive, independent investigators in HESC-related research. It also aims to encourage applications for F33 senior fellowships from experienced scientists who wish to make major changes in the direction of their research or who wish to broaden their scientific background by acquiring new capabilities in HESC research. Only approved HESC lines listed on the NIH Human Embryonic Stern Cell Registry (http://stemcells.nih.gov/registry/) may be used for research training activities. The application must provide the registry identifying numbers of the HESC lines to be used.

The goal of this fellowship program in HESC research is to train highly skilled research scientists to pursue research problems on the basic characteristics of HESCs and their applications to the study of disease. It is expected that these individuals will acquire expertise in the growth and maintenance of HESC that will enable them to pursue research that includes: 1) establishment of HESCs as model systems to explore the fundamental properties of HESCs and their more differentiated progeny; 2) characterization of the molecular events in the differentiation of specific cell types and tissue lineages; 3) establishment of HESCs as model systems for the study of specific diseases; 4) use of HESCs as a primary cell type in drug discovery; and 5) exploration of the therapeutic potential of HESCs in regenerative medicine.

This funding opportunity will use the Kirschstein-NRSA F32 and F33 individual award mechanisms. As an applicant, you will be solely responsible for planning, directing, and executing the proposed project. The number of awards will depend on the quality of applications and funds available.

Applications must be prepared using the PHS 416-1 forms (rev. 6/2002). The PHS 416-1 is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/forms.htm in an interactive format. For further assistance contact GrantsInfo, 301-435-0714, e-mail: GrantsInfo@ nih.gov. The complete PA is available online at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/ PA-05-013.html.

Contact: Marion M. Zatz, Division of Genetics and Developmental Biology, NIGMS, Bldg 45, Rm 2AS.25, 45 Center Dr MSC-6200, Bethesda, MD 20892-6200 USA, 301-594-0943, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]; Ellen M. Werner, Division of Blood Diseases and Resources, NHLBI, 6701 Rockledge Dr, MSC 7950, Bethesda, MD 20892-7950 USA, 301-435-0061, e-mail: wernere@ mail.nih.gov; &even L. Klein, Developmental Biology, Genetics & Teratology Branch, NICHD, 6100 Executive Bird, Rm 4B01, Rockville, MD 20852 USA, 301-496-5541, e-mail: [e-mail]; Daniel A. Sklare, Division of Scientific Programs, NIDCD, Bldg 31, Rm 400C, 6120 Executive Blvd, MSC-7180, Bethesda, MD 20892-7180 USA, 301-496-1804, email: [e-mail]; James Hyde, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases, NIDDK, 6707 Democracy Blvd, Rm 609, MSC 5460, Bethesda, MD 20892-5460 USA, 301-594-7692, e-mail: [e-mail]; Judith Podskalny, Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, NIDDK, 6707 Democracy Bird, Rm 667, MSC 5450, Bethesda, MD 20892-5450 USA, 301-594-8876, e-mail: [e-mail]; Terry Rogers Bishop, Division of Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Disorders, NIDDK, 6707 Democracy Bird, Rm 619, MSC 5458, Bethesda, MD 20892-5458 USA, 301-594-7717, e-mail: [e-mail]; Carol Shreffler, Division of Extramural Research and Training, NIEHS, PO Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 USA, 919-541-1445, e-mail: shreffl1@ niehs.nih.gov Reference: PA No. PA-05-013