Research Resource Program Supports Laboratory of Developmental Biology

NIAID is participating in the new funding opportunity announcement (FOA) Laboratory of Developmental Biology (R24, Clinical Trial Not Allowed) along with other NIH institutes to provide support for an established research resource program to serve the biomedical research community.

It is NIAID’s goal that the resource program can foster an understanding of underlying developmental biology of normal and abnormal human development as well as human pathologies through collecting, identifying, staging, and distributing conceptal tissues for use in studies.

The main objectives of this resource are the systematic collection, staging, identification, and processing of normal and abnormal specimens and the distribution of these tissues and their derivatives to qualified recipients, such as NIH-funded investigators and biomedical scientists at academic and non-profit research institutions.

Research Objectives and Scope

In addition to the main objectives, applicants may propose new approaches to improving these processes, such as the use of imaging techniques, genomic analyses, and immune-staining procedures.

Successful grantees may further extend the biomedical research resources by:

• Enhancing the diversity of collection through engagement and outreach to facilities serving underrepresented populations.
• Making DNA/RNA extraction and epigenetic assay samples available.
• Making a repository of DNA and RNA samples for use in genetic and epigenetic analyses.
• Extending the systematic collection, identification, and distribution to abnormal conceptal tissues.
• Continuing to develop and evaluate the utility of novel tissue imaging systems to enhance laboratory services.
• Using virtual histological and phenotyping capabilities of tissue imaging platforms.
• Utilizing the expected enrichment of genetic defects underlying fetal congenital anomalies by generating copy number variant data through array-based comparative genomic hybridization studies.
• Engaging and working with key collaborators to improve services and increase the number of recipient investigators.

Applicants should collect and distribute specimens in strict compliance to federal law as emphasized in the NIH Grants Policy Statement on Human Fetal Tissue Research.

Submission Information

All applications are due November 2, 2022, by 5 p.m. local time of the applicant organization.

Application budgets are limited to $800,000 in annual direct costs. The scope of the project should determine the project period. The maximum project period is 5 years.