Functional Genetics, Epigenetics, and Non-coding RNAs in Drug Addiction (R21)

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Purpose. Genetic and genomic studies have identified genes and gene variants that potentially modulate the fundamental biological mechanisms underpinning addictive processes. Discovery of these genes/variants, while extremely valuable, is only a first step in understanding molecular mechanisms of addiction. This Funding Opportunity Announcement encourages basic functional genomic research in two areas: 1. functional validation to determine which candidate genes/variants/epigenetic/non-coding RNA features have an authentic role in addictive processes, and 2. detailed elucidation of the molecular pathways and processes modulated by candidate genes/variants, particularly for those genes with an unanticipated role in addiction. Mechanism of Support. This FOA will use the NIH Exploratory/Developmental (R21) award mechanism and runs in parallel with FOAs of identical scientific scope, PA-11-033, that encourages applications under the R01 mechanism and PA-11-035 that encourages applications under the R03 mechanism. Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards. Because the nature and scope of the proposed research will vary from application to application, it is anticipated that the size and duration of each award will also vary. The total amount awarded and the number of awards will depend upon the mechanism numbers, quality, duration, and costs of the applications received.

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