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Research Program Descriptions
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Program Descriptions: A-E || F-L ||
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Program Descriptions A-E
Each of the three divisions in NIDDK support an AIDS
and HIV program. The Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition
encourages research into the characterization of intestinal
injury, mechanisms of maldigestion, and intestinal mucosal
functions, as well as hepatic and biliary dysfunction in patients
with AIDS or in appropriate animal models. In addition, studies
are supported on the mechanisms of nutrient malabsorption,
deficiencies of various micronutrients, nutritional management of
the wasting syndrome, and other aspects of malnutrition related to
AIDS.
The HIV program in the Division of Kidney, Urologic, and
Hematologic Diseases supports basic and clinical studies on renal
and genitourinary tract structure and function and hematopoietic
function in individuals with HIV infection. Interests include (1)
the pathogenetic mechanisms of the viral infection on the kidney
and genitourinary tract, (2) sites of viral replication and/or
spread and the resulting organ dysfunction, and (3) hematologic
abnormalities associated with HIV infection and its effects on
stem cells and marrow function. Studies on HIV infection focus on
the (1) effect of HIV therapies on marrow function and clinical
course of dialysis and transplant patients, (2) potential
interactions of HIV infection and therapies on the
immunosuppressive therapy used to prevent transplant rejection,
and (3) effect on organ function. An important new emphasis is
research into the development of strategies for gene therapy for
HIV, using modification of hematopoietic stem cells. This research
is based on recent reports of protection against HIV through the
use of human fetal stem cells transduced with retroviral vectors
expressing a ribozymal gene.
The Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases
is interested in the metabolic complications of HIV infection,
which encompass research on the endocrine and body composition
abnormalities associated with HIV infection and its treatment.
Specific areas of support include:
- Studies of hormones and cytokines involved in wasting
syndromes.
- Studies of changes in body composition in HIV patients.
- Studies of abnormalities of insulin sensitivity (and other
components of the "Metabolic Syndrome" or "Syndrome X") in
patients with HIV.
For further information, contact:
Frank Hamilton,
M.D., M.P.H., DDDN, Gastrointestinal Mucosa and Immunology
Program Director.
David G. Badman,
Ph.D., DKUH, Hematology Program Director
Catherine Meyers,
M.D., DKUH, Inflammatory Kidney Diseases Program
Director
Barbara
Linder, M.D., Ph.D., DDEM, Clinical Endocrinology and Diabetes
Complications Program Director
The Adipocyte Biology Research Program supports research that
addresses the development and physiology of the adipocyte cell.
Animal and tissue culture models would be included in the
approaches used in this area. Studies on the properties of
transcription factors that regulate adipocyte differentiation
would be appropriate to this program. Research on the consequences
of insulin action on adipocyte physiology would be particularly
suitable to this research program.
For further information, contact Carol Haft, Ph.D.
Director, Adipocyte and Cell Biology Program
Autoimmunity/Viral Etiology of
Endocrine Disease
This program emphasizes support of investigator-initiated basic
and clinical research relating to autoimmune endocrine diseases,
including type 1 diabetes and autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD).
Applications that address the etiology and pathogenesis of type 1
diabetes, immunology, and viral etiology of Diabetes are included.
Studies utilizing animal models to further our understanding of
type 1 diabetes are of continuing interest to this program.
Studies which emphasize autoimmune thyroid disease, including
Graves' Disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and their complications
are included. Humanized animal models of AITD are also
included.
For further information, contact Beena Akolkar, Ph.D.
Director, Immunopathgenesis and Genetics of Type 1 Diabetes
Program
Basic Cell Biology of the Bladder and Prostate
The DKUH Basic Cell Biology Program acts to foster
scientific investigations aimed at understanding the fundamental
cellular and molecular mechanisms operating under normal and
diseased states. This program oversees a diverse array of
scientific endeavors relevant to the mission of the NIDDK with
primary emphasis on basic research in the bladder, prostate,
urinary tract, kidney, and the lower reproductive system.
Supported work includes studies in human cells as well as in
mammalian and non-mammalian model organisms.
The Basic Cell
Biology Program supports cellular and molecular research on
numerous topics including, but not limited to, the following:
- Cellular function during renal and urologic disease
- Urothelial biology
- Host-pathogen interactions in urinary tract infections
- Urologic markers of disease
- Urologic complications of diabetes
- Urinary smooth muscle function
- Neural signaling in the urologic system
- Prostate growth and development
- Prostate stem cells
- Cellular events influencing sexual health
- Polarized cellular trafficking
- Kidney receptor function/signaling
- Organelle biogenesis
For further information,
contact Christopher
Mullins, Ph.D.,
DKUH, Director, Basic Cell Biology of the
Bladder and Prostate Program.
The division supports a substantial portfolio of culturally
sensitive, lifestyle interventions to prevent or treat diabetes in
diverse high-risk populations including African-Americans,
Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans. This research includes
individual, family, and community-based strategies aimed at
prevention of diabetes and its complications through lifestyle
modifications. The link between behavior and physical health is an
important focus of research. Approaches to improving
health-related behaviors and to enhancing diabetes self-management
and other aspects of diabetes care are supported both through RO1s
and centers.
For further information, contact Sanford Garfield,
Ph.D., Senior Advisor for Biometry and Behavioral Research.
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes result from the anatomical and
functional loss of insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas.
Replacement of these cells through regeneration or transplantation
could offer lifelong treatment for diabetics. However, a major
problem in implementing treatment is the lack of sufficient islet
cell tissue for transplantation, and a lack of understanding of
how beta cells regenerate. To overcome the shortage of pancreatic
islets for transplantation, research to develop alternative cell
or tissue sources, as well as an understanding of the basic
mechanisms that support regeneration or neogenesis of pancreatic
islets is needed.
This program will support research in the following areas:
- Developing methods to expand pancreatic islets or beta cells
for transplantation.
- Optimizing growth conditions for islet cell proliferation
and differentiation.
- Deriving pancreatic islets from stem/precursor cells.
- Assessing alternative cell or tissue sources by
transplantation.
- Animal models of islet regeneration and neogenesis
For further information, contact Sheryl Sato, Ph.D.,
Director, Cellular Basis of Metabolic Diseases
Program.
The Bone and Mineral Metabolism Program encompasses basic and
clinical research on the hormonal regulation of bone and mineral
metabolism in health and disease. Specific areas of support
include (1) endocrine aspects of disorders affecting bone,
including osteoporosis, Paget's disease, renal osteodystrophy, and
hypercalcemia of malignancy; (2) pathogenesis, diagnosis, and
therapy of parathyroid disorders, including primary or secondary
hyperparathyroidism; (3) effects of parathyroid hormone (PTH),
parathyroid hormone related protein (PTHrP), calcitonin, vitamin
D, estrogen, retinoic acid, growth factors (e.g. IGF-I, etc.),
glucocorticoids, thyroid hormone, and other systemic or
local-acting hormones and their receptors on bone metabolism; (4)
bone active cytokines (e.g. TGF-b, BMPs, CSF-1); (5) studies of
calcium homeostasis, absorption, metabolism, and excretion,
including the calcium activated receptor (CaR); (6) basic and
clinical studies of vitamin D; and (7) bone morphogenesis,
including the roles of developmental factors in bone formation
(e.g. hedgehogs, Hox genes).
For further information, contact Mehrdad Tondravi , Ph.D., Program
Director.
The Chronic Renal Diseases Program supports basic and clinical
research on renal development and disease, including (1) causes,
pathogenetic mechanisms, and pathophysiology; (2) morphological
and functional markers and diagnostic measures; (3) underlying
mechanisms leading to progression of renal disease; (4) functional
adaptation to progressive nephron loss; (5) natural history of
progressive renal diseases; and (6) identification and testing of
possible therapeutic interventions to prevent development or halt
progression of renal disease.
Research in this program includes the primary glomerulopathies
and renal disease from systemic diseases that collectively account
for more than 50 percent of all cases of treated end-stage renal
disease.
Of special interest are studies of inherited diseases such as
polycystic kidney disease, congenital kidney disorders, and
immune-related glomerular diseases including IgA nephropathy and
the hemolytic uremic syndrome.
For further information, contact Gladys H. Hirschman,
M.D., Chronic Renal
Disease Program Director.
A Clinical Nutrition Research Unit (CNRU) is an integrated
array of research, educational, and service activities focused on
human nutrition in health and disease. It serves as the focal
point for an interdisciplinary approach to clinical nutrition
research and for the stimulation of research in areas such as
improved nutritional support of acutely and chronically ill
persons, assessment of nutritional status, effects of disease
states on nutrient needs, and effects of changes in nutritional
status on disease. Funding for the CNRU program, which began in
1979, is provided through the core center grant mechanism. Due to
a restriction in the number of core center grants that can be
supported, new center grant proposals will be accepted only in
response to a Request for Applications (RFA) announced in the NIH
Guide for Grants and Contracts.
Please see the DDN
Centers page.
For further information, contact Van S. Hubbard, M.D.,
Ph.D., Clinical Nutrition Research Unit Program Director and
Chief, Nutrition Sciences Branch, DDN.
A clinical trial is a prospective study on 10 or more patients
to evaluate one or more experimental intervention(s) in comparison
with a standard treatment and/or placebo control among comparable
groups of patients. Experimental interventions may include
pharmacologic, nonpharmacologic, and behavioral interventions
given for disease prevention, prophylaxis, diagnosis, or therapy.
Areas of emphasis include non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH);
chronic hepatitis C; Helicobacter pylori; primary biliary
cirrhosis; adult and adolescent obesity; inflammatory bowel
disease; functional bowel syndrome and constipation; primary
sclerosing cholangitis; pancreatitis; non-ulcer dyspepsia;
prevention, management, and treatment of portal hypertension; and
recurrent liver disease after transplantation. Either pilot
studies or phase III trials may be appropriate. A phase III
clinical trial usually involves several hundred or more comparable
human subjects, the aim of the trial being to provide evidence for
support of, or a change in, health policy or standard of care.
Clinical trials may be funded by one of several mechanisms: a
research project grant, a cooperative agreement, a planning grant,
or a contract. Please see the current program
announcement for small grants for clinical trials.
For more information, contact Patricia R. Robuck,
Ph.D., M.P.H., Clinical Trials Program
Director.
This program includes prospective studies in nutrition and
obesity which involve ten or more patients. In these studies, two
forms of treatment, one of which could be placebo or standard
care, are to be compared. Areas of emphasis include adult and
adolescent obesity, and nutrition areas such as eating disorders
and wasting.
Either pilot studies or phase III trials may be appropriate. A
phase III clinical trial usually involves several hundred or more
comparable human subjects, the aim of the trial being to provide
evidence for support of, or a change in, health policy or standard
of care.
Clinical trials may be funded by one of several mechanisms: a
research project grant, a cooperative agreement, a planning grant,
or a contract. Please see the current program
announcement for small grants for clinical trials.
For more information, contact Patricia R. Robuck,
Ph.D., M.P.H., Clinical Trials Program
Director.
The Clinical Trials Program works in concert with other
programs of the KUH Division to develop and manage cooperative
clinical trials to prevent or retard major chronic kidney,
urologic, and hematologic diseases. The program coordinates and
monitors patient recruitment and adherence to interventions for
the following:
Hemodialysis Study
African American Study of Kidney
Disease and Hypertension
Interstitial Cystitis Clinical
Trials Group
Medical Therapy of Prostatic Symptoms
Chronic Prostatitis Collaborative Research Network
For further information, contact John W. Kusek, Ph.D.,
Clinical Trials Coordinator.
The Clinical Research in Type 2 Diabetes Program will focus on
patient-oriented research (i.e., clinical studies and small
clinical trials) related to: pharmacologic interventions and/or
lifestyle interventions to prevent or treat type 2 diabetes,
including studies relevant to new drug development; development of
surrogate markers for use in clinical trials for the prevention or
treatment of type 2 diabetes; cellular therapies for the treatment
of type 2 diabetes and improving the care of patients with type 2
diabetes. For further information, contact Barbara Linder, M.D.,
Ph.D. Director, Clinical Endocrinology and Diabetes
Complications Program.
The Complications of Diabetes Program encompasses basic and
clinical research related to acute (e.g. ketoacidosis and
hyperosmolar coma) and chronic complications of type 1 and type 2
diabetes. Chronic complications include the vascular complications
of diabetes and the effects of diabetes on any organ system.
Clinical studies supported under this program include strategies
to prevent or treat the complications of diabetes. Supported basic
research examines the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which
hyperglycemia mediates its adverse effects and the
interrelationships among the mechanisms potentially involved in
the pathogenesis of complications, including: increased polyol
pathway flux; alterations of intracellular redox state; oxidative
stress; glycation of structural and functional proteins; altered
expression of growth factors; enhanced activity of PKC; impaired
synthesis of nitric oxide and other vasoactive substances; and
altered metabolism of fatty acids
For further information, contact Kristin Abraham,
Ph.D., Director, Cell Signaling Program
Conference Grant, Traditional (R13)
Conference Grants are awarded to institutions and organizations
(not individuals) to provide partial support for international or
domestic meetings, conferences, and workshops to coordinate,
exchange, and disseminate research information. NIDDK is
especially interested in conference grants used to cover travel
expenses for young and minority investigators, although meeting
publications, salaries, consultant services, equipment rental, and
supplies may be requested. Indirect costs normally are not
allowed.
Conference Cooperative Agreement (U13)
The Conference Cooperative Agreement is a relatively new
mechanism that allows NIDDK staff to play a substantial role in
planning and conducting meetings, conferences, and workshops
sponsored by other institutions or organizations. Refer to
"Conference Grant" above for more information on costs that may be
covered by this award.
For further information, contact Mehrdad Tondravi,
Ph.D., Director, Program Director
The Cystic Fibrosis Research Program supports
investigator-initiated research grants encompassing both
fundamental and clinical studies of the etiology, molecular
pathogenesis, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of cystic
fibrosis and its complications.
Particular areas of emphasis of the program include:
- Characterization of the cystic fibrosis gene, its mutations,
and the molecular mechanisms by which mutations cause
dysfunction
- Studies of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator
(CFTR) protein encoded by the cystic fibrosis gene, including
its processing, trafficking, and folding, and the mechanisms by
which mutations alter CFTR trafficking and structure/function
- Elucidation of the pathways of electrolyte transport in
affected epithelia and the relationship between CFTR and other
epithelial ion channels
- Elucidation of the potential roles of CFTR in transport of
molecules other than chloride, post-translational processing of
mucins and other proteins, exocytosis and recycling of cell
membranes, subcellular organelle function, and other cellular
processes
- Studies of the relationship between genotype and phenotype
in cystic fibrosis and identification of genetic or
environmental factors which explain the variable clinical
presentations and severity of disease
- Delineation of the mechanisms underlying the inflammation
and infection characteristic of cystic fibrosis and how
mutations in the cystic fibrosis gene and alterations in CFTR
function result in inflammation and infection
- Research on other clinical manifestations of cystic
fibrosis, including the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying
malnutrition and growth failure, impaired fertility, liver
disease, and overall physical and psychosocial development, and
approaches to ameliorate the complications of cystic fibrosis
- Development of potential therapeutic approaches to
modulating the transport defect in cystic fibrosis and to
stabilize mutant CFTR and enhance its targeting and integration
into the cell membrane
- Development of safe and effective methods for gene therapy
- Development of animal or cell models useful for study of
cystic fibrosis and its therapy
- Evaluation of therapeutic interventions in cystic fibrosis
in clinical studies or animal models.
For further information, contact Catherine McKeon,
Ph.D., Senior Advisor for Genetic Research.
Developmental genetic screens for identifying mutations that
effect the formation of tissue such as bone, adipose, endocrine
pancreas, or pituitary.
Signals, signaling pathway components and transcriptional
factors that regulate pattern formation in the embryo, or control
the fate, specifications, proliferation and differentiation of
cells in the formation of tissues and organs.
For further information, contact Sheryl Sato, Ph.D.,
Director, Cellular Basis of Metabolic Diseases
Program.
The Developmental Biology of the Kidney and Urogenital Tract
Program encompasses studies that focus on fundamental cellular
biology of the kidney and urogenital tract (bladder and prostate)
and on mechanisms through which they develop. Specific areas of
study are as follows: Developmental Biology
(Kidney)
- Stem cells and cell fate specification
- Mesenchymal/epithelial/stromal interactions during
development
- Tubule morphogenesis
- Differentiation of the renal epithelium
- Renal endothelial/glomerular
morphogenesis
Cell Biology
(Kidney)
- Mechanisms of epithelial polarization
- Epithelial integrity and repair
- Cilia: components and functions
- Epithelial/stromal/endothelial
interactions
Development of the
Urogenital Tract. (Bladder and Prostate)
- Stem cells and cell fate specification
- Differentiation of the bladder and prostate epithelia
- Innervation of the urogenital system during development
- Mesenchymal/epithelial interactions
- Smooth muscle specification and differentiation
- Vascularization
- Roles of intercellular signals and extracellular matrix in
development
For further information, contact Elizabeth Wilder,
Ph.D., Developmental Biology of the Kidney and Urogenital
Tract Program Director.
The Diabetes Centers Program administers two types of center
awards, the Diabetes Endocrinology Research Centers (DERC) and the
Diabetes Research and Training Centers (DRTC). An existing base of
high quality diabetes-related research is a primary requirement
for establishment of either type of center. While not directly
funding major research projects, both types of center grants
provide core resources to integrate, coordinate, and foster the
interdisciplinary cooperation of a group of established
investigators conducting research in diabetes and related areas of
endocrinology and metabolism. The two types of centers differ in
that the DERC focuses entirely on biomedical research while the
DRTC has an added component in training and translation.
For further information, contact Thomas Eggerman, M.D.,
Ph.D., Islet Transplantation Program Director.
The Diabetic Nephropathy Program funds basic research on the
pathophysiology and pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy, natural
history studies, and clinical trials through the R01 mechanism.
Fundamental research focuses on the molecular pathogenesis of
extracellular matrix expansion and glomerulosclerosis, the role of
the renin-angiotension system and growth factors, and the
identification of treatments to prevent renal scarring.
Of special interest are studies to understand the mechanisms of
progressive renal scarring, to identify genes that either protect
people from or predispose them to diabetic nephropathy, and to
identify early markers of increased risk for the disease.
For futher information, contact Catherine Meyers,
M.D., DKUH, Inflammatory Kidney Diseases Program
Director
The Epidemiology and Data Systems Program serves as a focus for
the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data on digestive
diseases and their complications. The program (1) identifies the
data needed to address the scientific and public health issues in
digestive diseases and nutrition; (2) addresses the epidemiology
of digestive diseases and nutritional disorders of public health
significance, with particular emphasis on national surveys and
their follow-up; (3) promotes the timely availability of reliable
data to pertinent scientific, medical, and public organizations;
(4) promotes the standardization of data collection and
terminology in clinical and epidemiological research; and (5)
works closely with members of the scientific community to develop
investigator-initiated research in digestive diseases and
nutrition epidemiology.
The program encourages research that addresses risk factors for
disease occurrence and disease prognosis or natural history. The
program also supports databases and biological repositories that
support clinical and epidemiological studies in digestive diseases
and nutrition.
For further information, contact James Everhart,
M.D., Chief of Epidemiology and
Clinical Trials Branch, DDN.
The Digestive Diseases Research Core Centers Program provides a
mechanism for funding shared resources (core facilities) that
serve to integrate, coordinate, and foster interdisciplinary
cooperation between groups of established investigators who
conduct programs of high quality research that are related to a
common theme in digestive disease research. An existing base of
high quality digestive disease-related research is a prerequisite
for the establishment of a center.
The research emphases of centers in this program presently
focus on liver diseases, gastrointestinal motility, absorption and
secretion processes, inflammatory bowel disease,
structure/function relationships in the gastrointestinal tract,
neuropeptides and gut hormones, and gastrointestinal membrane
receptors. Due to a restriction on the number of core center
grants that can be supported, new center grant proposals will be
accepted only in response to a Request for Applications (RFA)
announced in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts.
Please see the Centers
page.
For further information, contact Judith Podskalny,
Ph.D., Digestive
Diseases Centers Program Director.
This program includes projects to elucidate the basic biology
of the endocrine cells of the pancreas, which include alpha, beta,
delta, etc., cells within the islet. These include insulin or
other hormone synthesis and secretion, coupling of nutrient
sensing to insulin secretion, cell interactions, role of
incretins, cytokines, other hormones, and enervation, studies of
apoptosis and cell turnover in the adult organ, metabolism, basic
signal transduction and regulation of gene transcription,
especially as these areas relate to beta cell and islet function.
This program also contains studies in cell culture to bioengineer
glucose-responsive hormone secreting cells or islets for eventual
treatment of diabetes.
For further information, contact Maren Laughlin, Ph.D.,
Director, Metabolism Program.
The End-Stage Renal Disease Program promotes research to reduce
morbidity and mortality from bone, blood, nervous system,
metabolic, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and endocrine
abnormalities in end-stage kidney failure and to improve the
effectiveness of dialysis and transplantation. Of special interest
is research on hemodialysis membrane reuse and alternative
dialyzer sterilization methods; more efficient, biocompatible
membranes; high-flux hemodialysis; and criteria for adequacy of
dialysis. Also of interest is research on adequacy, appropriate
dialysis dose, and infectious complications in peritoneal
dialysis, as well as criteria to identify patients best suited for
this therapy.
The program seeks to increase graft and patient survival and
organ availability through research to improve organ preservation,
transplantation across ABO blood groups, HLA cross-matching of
donors with recipients, immunosuppression, infection control, and
organ donations, especially by African American and other minority
groups. Of special interest is research on the causes and
prevention of progressive loss of renal function in long-term
renal transplants.
For further information, contact Lawrence Y. Agodoa,
M.D., End-Stage Renal Disease Program Director.
Program Descriptions: A-E || F-L ||
M-R
|| S-Z
Last updated: 10/10/02 |
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