In an effort to encourage scientists to submit grant applications for highly
innovative--but also highly risky--research studies, the National Institute of
General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) issued a call last March for "high risk/high
impact" proposals. Now, NIGMS has awarded $2 million to support 20 grants from
the first round of applications.
"These awards will provide an avenue for scientists to pursue innovative
hypotheses that, if confirmed, would have a substantial impact on current
thinking or approaches," said Marvin Cassman, Ph.D., director of NIGMS.
Four of the newly awarded grants are described below. The principal
investigator's name and institution are in parentheses.
A study examining whether hydrogen sulfide (H2S)--a toxic gas that smells like
rotten eggs--regulates functions in the brain, internal organs, and blood
vessels. Like the gas nitric oxide, which helps regulate neural function, blood
pressure, and many other processes, H2S is produced in the brain and in
involuntary smooth muscle. An understanding of the role of H2S in these tissues
may have many therapeutic applications, for example, in the control of blood
pressure. (Hideo Kimura, Ph.D., Salk Institute for Biological Studies, San
Diego, CA)
An investigation of how tissues and organs grow to specific sizes and
proportions. The researcher proposes that tissue size and shape are controlled
by a competition between cell division and cell death. He plans to study fruit
flies--which utilize many of the same genetic pathways as humans--to identify
genes that maintain the balance between cell division and cell death. The work
promises to provide a basic understanding not only of growing tissue, but also
of developmental disorders, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. (Nicholas
E. Baker, Ph.D., Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY)
A method to grow cultured laboratory cells into an "artificial placenta" that
may reveal how pharmaceuticals given to pregnant women affect their fetuses in
utero. Currently, there is no good way to determine the concentration of drugs
that cross the placenta into a fetus. The researchers plan first to study the
effects of AZT, a drug used by large numbers of HIV-infected women to minimize
the risk of transmitting the virus to their developing babies. (Douglas A.
Kniss, Ph.D., Ohio State University, Columbus)
A new genetic strategy to control specific brain receptors (GABA type A) to
enhance the action of general anesthetics, antianxiety drugs, and anticonvulsant
drugs. Normally, scientists targeting brain cells develop drug molecules that
interact with receptors to produce a desired response. Modifying brain
receptors directly is a novel, and potentially more specific and effective,
therapeutic strategy. (Jay Yang, Ph.D., University of Rochester Medical Center,
Rochester, NY)
NIGMS received 102 applications in the first round--an enthusiastic response for
a new initiative. "While some of these first applications were not appropriate
for the program, others were "right-on," according to James Anderson, Ph.D., the
NIGMS program director who spearheaded the initiative. "We expect that as word
spreads about what we're looking for, more and more people will find it in their
interest to apply," he said.
The program supports research that is both "high impact" and "high risk"--high
impact because it has the potential for ground-breaking, precedent-setting
significance, and high risk because it either lacks sufficient preliminary data
to ensure its feasibility, or involves using a new model system or technique.
The research must fall within the confines of NIGMS' mission, which is
broad-based, fundamental research in areas such as cell biology, biophysics,
genetics, developmental biology, pharmacology, biochemistry, bioengineering,
anesthesiology, trauma, and burn injury.
The grants are awarded for up to two years and up to $70,000 per year in direct
costs. They are non-renewable, but may be incorporated into a subsequent
application for a regular research grant. Application deadlines are February 1,
June 1, and October 1.
For further information, see http://www.nih.gov/nigms/funding/pa/r21.html. A
complete list of grants awarded under the new initiative is attached.
To arrange an interview with Dr. Cassman or Dr. Anderson, call the NIGMS Public
Information Office at (301) 496-7301.
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