Replication, Fine-Mapping and Sequencing: Follow-Up on Genome-Wide Association Studies for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (R01)

archived

Purpose. This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), issued by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, encourages applications that propose to perform replication, fine-mapping, and sequencing studies of human genomic regions that are putatively associated with phenotypes relevant to the NIAMS mission. Genomic regions of interest are primarily those identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The objective of this FOA is to enhance the identification of causal genes and genetic variants that influence complex diseases relevant to the NIAMS mission. Replication, fine-mapping, and sequencing studies are to be conducted in existing cohorts with defined phenotypes. This FOA will not support recruitment of human subjects, collection of medical or phenotypic data, studies using animal models, or the initial discovery phase of GWAS. Mechanism of Support. This FOA will utilize the NIH Research Project (R01) grant mechanism. In some instances, an active NIAMS R01 award may currently support a GWAS with a two-stage design, including initial discovery and replication. In such instances, investigators may submit a revision (formerly competing supplement) application in response to this FOA, to support additional replication, fine-mapping, or sequencing efforts, provided the application conforms to both the budgetary requirements of this FOA and the format requirements of revision applications. Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards. For this funding opportunity, the NIAMS expects to commit approximately $1.5 million total costs in each of fiscal years 2010, 2011, and 2012, to support three to four new projects per year. Budgets up to $250,000 direct costs per year and project periods of up to two years may be requested. Awards issued under this FOA are contingent upon the availability of funds and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications.

High