Engineered Nanomaterials: Linking Physical and Chemical Properties to Biology (U19)

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Purpose. 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 FOA should employ three projects that will examine an overarching research theme through mechanistic studies and in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo model systems. Grants awarded under this FOA will become part of a consortium that will collaboratively manage the research conducted through the individual grants. Mechanism of Support. This FOA will utilize the U19 grant mechanism Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards. The total amount of funding to be committed to this program is $5 million (total costs) per year for 5 years.

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