Advances in Polycystic Kidney Disease (R01) | Apply Online

Advances in Polycystic Kidney Disease (R01) (PA-07-293) - FAQs

1) What is the "Advances in Polycystic Kidney Disease (R01)" opportunity?

It is an NIH research project grant funding opportunity announcement titled "Advances in Polycystic Kidney Disease (R01)" with the identifier PA-07-293. It supports investigator-initiated research intended to deepen scientific understanding of polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and to enable progress toward better treatments that prevent or slow progression to renal insufficiency.

2) Which NIH institute is sponsoring this announcement?

The sponsoring institute is the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), specifically through its Division of Kidney, Urologic and Hematologic Diseases (DKUHD).

3) What grant mechanism is used for this opportunity?

This opportunity uses the NIH R01 mechanism (Research Project Grant).

4) What disease areas does this funding opportunity focus on?

The focus is on polycystic kidney disease (PKD), including both autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD).

5) What is the main scientific goal of the announcement?

The central goal is to improve understanding of the underlying causes and biological mechanisms of PKD in ways that can open the door to new and better treatments aimed at preventing or slowing progression to renal insufficiency.

6) What types of research does the announcement encourage?

The announcement encourages both basic and applied studies that examine how PKD begins and progresses, including research that clarifies disease mechanisms and supports future therapeutic development.

7) Does the opportunity support research on genetic determinants of PKD?

Yes. It encourages investigation into genetic determinants of PKD, including how specific genes and variants contribute to disease development and differences in severity.

8) What cellular or molecular topics are highlighted as relevant?

It invites studies of cellular and molecular mechanisms that disrupt normal kidney function, with particular interest in processes that drive cyst initiation, cyst expansion, and downstream damage leading to declining kidney performance.

9) Does the announcement mention cyst formation and cyst growth as priority areas?

Yes. One of the concrete directions highlighted is improving understanding of mechanisms of cyst formation and cyst growth.

10) Are experimental model systems within scope?

Yes. The opportunity highlights developing and refining experimental model systems that better mimic human PKD, including cellular, organoid, or animal models.

11) Does this opportunity include biomarker or disease marker research?

Yes. It specifically highlights identifying markers of disease progression that could help predict outcomes or track treatment response.

12) Are therapeutic intervention concepts allowed under this announcement?

Yes. The announcement encourages proposing innovative therapeutic interventions, including gene-targeted strategies, aimed at preventing progressive kidney failure.

13) Is the research expected to lead directly to new treatments?

The stated intent is to deepen understanding of PKD biology in ways that can ultimately enable new and better treatments. The long-term goal is to build a stronger evidence base for future therapeutic approaches, such as identifying drug targets, validating biomarkers for clinical trials, or advancing gene-based or pathway-based interventions.

14) Is interdisciplinary research encouraged?

Yes. The announcement emphasizes the value of interdisciplinary research because PKD is complex and benefits from integrating areas such as genetics, cell biology, physiology, imaging, biomarker science, and therapeutic development.

15) Who is the program trying to attract as applicants?

A major programmatic goal is to intensify research activity by broadening participation. The announcement explicitly welcomes both established investigators and newcomers to the PKD field.

16) Is this a discretionary grant, and what is the funding activity category?

Yes. It is described as a discretionary NIH grant opportunity and is categorized under health funding activities.

17) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The announcement states that it does not require cost sharing or matching.

18) When was this opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on January 11, 2007.

19) What are the key dates listed for the opportunity?

The announcement used multiple receipt dates. It lists a current closing date of September 7, 2009, and an archive date of October 8, 2009.

20) What types of organizations are eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes: state and local governments; tribal governments and tribal organizations; public and private institutions of higher education; nonprofit organizations (including both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) entities); public housing authorities; independent school districts; special district governments; small businesses; and other for-profit organizations.

21) Are foreign institutions eligible to apply?

Yes. The announcement states that foreign institutions are eligible to apply.

22) Can federal agencies apply?

Yes. The announcement states that eligible federal agencies may apply.

23) Are faith-based or community-based organizations eligible?

Yes. The announcement states that faith-based or community-based organizations may apply.

24) Where can applicants find the official NIH announcement text?

The full announcement is available through the NIH Grants Guide at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-293.html

25) Who should be contacted for technical issues accessing the electronic announcement?

For access or technical issues with the electronic announcement, the listed contact is the NIH Office of Extramural Research (OER) Webmaster at FBOWebmaster@OD.NIH.GOV.