Funding-Limited Submission - Engineered Nanomaterials: Linking Physical and Chemical Properties to Biology; December 11, 2009

 

 

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences invites applications that will (1) determine which physical or chemical characteristic of an engineered nanomaterial (ENM), or cluster of characteristics, is integral to ENM-molecular interactions in a cellular process or organ system and (2) relate these findings to potential health effects. NIEHS recognizes that three types of activities need to converge to accomplish this research agenda. The first activity should focus on a detailed understanding of how physical and chemical characteristics of ENMs influence their molecular interactions at the cellular level, while the second activity should determine how the physical and chemical characteristics critical to that interaction are associated with any observed physiological or pathobiological events. The third activity will capitalize on these multidisciplinary efforts through integration of biochemical, molecular, and physiological mechanisms to expand traditional hazard identification and health risk assessment. An extraordinary level of synergy, integration, and potential for advancement of ENM hazard identification and risk assessment is expected. Proposals responsive to this announcement should employ three projects that will examine an overarching research theme through mechanistic studies and in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo model systems.

 

Additional information is available in the complete announcement:  http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-ES-09-011.html

 

Because NIEHS limits an institution to one application, UK has established an internal selection process and a deadline for receipt of applications. Researchers wanting to submit an application in response to this announcement are to send the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Friday, December 11, 2009:

1.     Names and departments of the Project Director(s) and other key personnel of the project team and their specific roles

2.     Program overview – 3 pages maximum

a.     Identify the central overarching theme that develops approaches to evaluate, understand, and predict toxicity mechanisms and potential health implications of exposure to engineered nanomaterials

b.    Briefly describe each of the three proposed projects

·         Project 1:  Research in the first project must be designed to understand mechanistic effects of variations in specific physical and chemical properties using ex vivo and/or in vitro investigations. The investigators should define a focus relating material characterization to the mechanisms of biological response.

·         Project 2: Research in the second project must be designed to understand physiological and pathobiological effects of specific physical and chemical properties of ENMs at the organ and organism level using acute or sub-chronic in vivo exposures (using relevant routes and doses), isolated organs, and/or well validated computational models. An experimental approach may utilize genetically manipulated mouse strains and disease susceptible models to understand and extrapolate potential health implications to susceptible/vulnerable human populations.

·         Project 3:  The research in this project will develop approaches to translate the knowledge of the in vitro and in vivo effects of ENM into a risk assessment paradigm or to expand the risk assessment methods used to characterize ENM safety.

 

The Vice President for Research will appoint a committee to review the material and make recommendations as to the University’s applicant.  The individual will be notified in time for the December 22, 2009 letter of intent and January 22, 2010 complete application deadlines.

 

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663.)