Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 06 242
Apply for PA 06 242
- The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Aging Musculoskeletal and Skin Extracellular Matrix (R21)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.846 Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research 93.866 Aging Research.
- This funding opportunity was created on Dec 5, 2008 and posted on Mar 17, 2006.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 7, 2009 Multiple Receipt Dates See Link to Full Announcement for details.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $200,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education Independent school districts Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification) State governments Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities Private institutions of higher education Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) County governments Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) City or township governments Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education For profit organizations other than small businesses Special district governments.
- Foreign institutions are eligible to apply. Eligible agencies of the Federal Government are eligible to apply.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The NIH funding opportunity titled "Aging Musculoskeletal and Skin Extracellular Matrix (R21)" (Funding Opportunity Number PA 06-242) supports exploratory, basic research focused on how the extracellular matrix (ECM) changes with age and how those changes affect the function of musculoskeletal tissues and skin. The core idea is to better understand aging at the tissue-structure level: what happens to the scaffold of proteins and other matrix components that surround cells, how those shifts alter tissue mechanics and biology, and how those ECM changes contribute to age-related decline in strength, resilience, repair capacity, and overall function in skin and the musculoskeletal system.
The FOA encourages projects that connect cellular aging processes to downstream ECM outcomes. In practical terms, it is looking for studies that explain how aging cells change the way they produce, organize, remodel, and maintain matrix, and how those altered matrix features then feed back to influence tissue performance. This can include changes in ECM composition (which molecules are present and in what proportions), ECM organization (how fibers and networks are arranged and cross-linked), and ECM maintenance dynamics (turnover, degradation, and repair). The emphasis is on mechanistic insight rather than clinical trials, with the expectation that understanding these mechanisms could eventually inform strategies to prevent or mitigate aging-related functional loss.
This opportunity uses the NIH R21 Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant mechanism, which is designed for early-stage, high-risk/high-reward, concept-testing work, pilot studies, and new directions that may not yet have the extensive preliminary data expected for larger awards. The FOA also notes it runs in parallel with an R01 program announcement of the same scientific scope (PA 03-167), meaning applicants with more mature, fully developed projects could consider the R01 route, while this R21 is meant to help generate key proof-of-concept findings or open up new research angles in the same general topic area.
Funding levels and the number of awards are not fixed in advance and depend on application quality, scientific merit, and available funds. The announcement sets an award ceiling of $200,000, and it indicates that both the size and duration of awards can vary because projects will differ in scope and needs. In other words, this is a competitive, merit-driven program where final funding outcomes depend on peer review and NIH funding availability rather than a guaranteed number of awards.
From an administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary grant opportunity in the health research category. It is associated with CFDA numbers 93.846 (Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research) and 93.866 (Aging Research), reflecting the joint relevance to both musculoskeletal/skin biology and aging science. Cost sharing or matching is not required, which is typical for NIH research grants and lowers the barrier for eligible organizations to apply.
Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S. and non-U.S. organizations. Eligible applicants include public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations (including those with and without 501(c)(3) status, with some distinctions), for-profit organizations other than small businesses, state and local government entities (including counties and cities/townships), special district governments, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, independent school districts, and Native American tribal organizations, including federally recognized tribal governments. The FOA explicitly states that foreign institutions are eligible to apply and that eligible federal agencies may also apply, which widens participation beyond typical domestic academic applicants.
The opportunity was originally posted March 17, 2006, with multiple receipt dates and a final listed closing date of May 7, 2009, and it was archived June 7, 2009. While the specific FOA itself is no longer active, the summary remains useful as a description of NIH interest in ECM aging mechanisms and the kinds of exploratory research topics that have been encouraged under the R21 mechanism. The full announcement was hosted on the NIH grants site (link provided in the source), and general technical access issues were directed to the NIH Office of Extramural Research webmaster contact listed in the notice.
FAQs: NIH "Aging Musculoskeletal and Skin Extracellular Matrix (R21)" (PA-06-242)
What is the title and funding opportunity number for this NIH grant?
The opportunity is titled "Aging Musculoskeletal and Skin Extracellular Matrix (R21)" and the Funding Opportunity Number is PA 06-242.
What is the overall purpose of this funding opportunity?
This program supports exploratory, basic research aimed at understanding how the extracellular matrix (ECM) changes with age and how those changes affect the function of musculoskeletal tissues and skin. The goal is to clarify aging-related changes at the tissue-structure level, particularly how changes in the matrix "scaffold" around cells influence tissue mechanics, biology, and overall function.
What types of tissues or body systems are the focus of this FOA?
The focus is on the musculoskeletal system and skin, specifically looking at how aging alters the extracellular matrix within these tissues and how those alterations contribute to declines in strength, resilience, repair capacity, and function.
What is the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the context of this announcement?
In this FOA, the ECM refers to the network of proteins and other matrix components surrounding cells that helps provide structure and influences tissue mechanics and biology. The FOA emphasizes studying how this matrix changes with age and how those changes affect tissue performance.
What kinds of scientific questions does the FOA encourage?
The FOA encourages mechanistic studies that link cellular aging processes to downstream ECM outcomes. Examples of encouraged angles include how aging cells change the way they produce, organize, remodel, and maintain ECM, and how altered ECM composition and structure feed back to influence tissue function.
Does this FOA emphasize clinical trials or basic/mechanistic research?
The emphasis is on exploratory, basic, mechanistic insight rather than clinical trials. The expectation is that stronger mechanistic understanding could eventually inform future strategies to prevent or mitigate aging-related functional loss, but the funded work here is concept-testing and discovery oriented.
What specific ECM-related changes are mentioned as areas of interest?
The FOA highlights interest in changes such as:
- ECM composition: which molecules are present and in what proportions
- ECM organization: how fibers and networks are arranged and cross-linked
- ECM maintenance dynamics: turnover, degradation, and repair of the matrix over time
What NIH grant mechanism does this opportunity use?
This opportunity uses the NIH R21 Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant mechanism, which is designed for early-stage, high-risk/high-reward projects, pilot studies, and new research directions that may not yet have extensive preliminary data.
How is an R21 approach positioned in this announcement?
The R21 is positioned as a mechanism to support concept-testing work and exploratory directions, including projects intended to generate proof-of-concept findings or open new research angles in the area of ECM aging mechanisms.
Is there an R01 option mentioned for projects with more mature data or scope?
Yes. The FOA notes it runs in parallel with an R01 program announcement of the same scientific scope (PA 03-167). Applicants with more mature, fully developed projects could consider the R01 route, while this R21 is intended for exploratory or developmental work.
What is the maximum award amount stated in the announcement?
The announcement sets an award ceiling of $200,000.
Are award size, duration, and number of awards fixed?
No. Funding levels and the number of awards are not fixed in advance. The FOA indicates that both the size and duration of awards can vary based on project scope and needs, and that funding decisions depend on application quality, scientific merit, and available funds.
What determines whether an application is funded under this program?
Funding outcomes are competitive and merit-driven. The FOA states that final decisions depend on peer review (scientific merit), the quality of the application, and NIH funding availability.
What category of grant is this described as?
It is described as a discretionary grant opportunity in the health research category.
Which CFDA numbers are associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is associated with CFDA numbers 93.846 (Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research) and 93.866 (Aging Research).
Is cost sharing or matching required?
No. The FOA states that cost sharing or matching is not required.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes many U.S. and non-U.S. organization types. Eligible applicants include:
- Public and private institutions of higher education
- Nonprofit organizations (including those with and without 501(c)(3) status, with some distinctions)
- For-profit organizations other than small businesses
- State and local government entities (including counties and cities/townships)
- Special district governments
- Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
- Independent school districts
- Native American tribal organizations, including federally recognized tribal governments
- Foreign institutions (explicitly stated as eligible)
- Eligible federal agencies (explicitly stated as eligible)
Are foreign (non-U.S.) institutions eligible?
Yes. The FOA explicitly states that foreign institutions are eligible to apply.
Are federal agencies allowed to apply?
Yes. The FOA explicitly states that eligible federal agencies may also apply.
When was this FOA originally posted, and is it still active?
The opportunity was originally posted on March 17, 2006. It had multiple receipt dates, a final listed closing date of May 7, 2009, and it was archived on June 7, 2009. Based on that information, this specific FOA is no longer active.
If the FOA is archived, what is the value of the summary today?
The summary remains useful as an indicator of NIH interest in ECM aging mechanisms and the kinds of exploratory research topics that have been encouraged under the R21 mechanism, even though this specific announcement is no longer active.
Where was the full announcement hosted?
The full announcement was hosted on the NIH grants website (a link was provided in the original source materials referenced by the summary).
Who was listed for technical access issues related to the announcement?
General technical access issues were directed to the NIH Office of Extramural Research webmaster contact listed in the notice.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Health
Next opportunity: From Intervention Development to Services Exploratory Research Grants (R34)
Previous opportunity: Ancillary Studies to the Ad Neuroimaging Initiative (R21)
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for PA 06 242
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PA 06 242) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| From Intervention Development to Services Exploratory Research Grants (R34) Apply for PAR 06 248 Funding Number: PAR 06 248 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $225,000 |
| Rapid Assessment Post Impact of Disaster (R03) Apply for PAR 06 252 Funding Number: PAR 06 252 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Rapid Assessment Post Impact of Disaster (R21) Apply for PAR 06 253 Funding Number: PAR 06 253 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Grants for Alzheimers Disease Drug Discovery (R21) Apply for PAS 06 261 Funding Number: PAS 06 261 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorders Pathophysiological Mechanisms Linking Comorbid Conditions (R03) Apply for PA 06 267 Funding Number: PA 06 267 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorders Pathophysiological Mechanisms Linking Comorbid Conditions (R21) Apply for PA 06 268 Funding Number: PA 06 268 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| NEI Research Grant for Secondary Data Analysis (R21) Apply for PAR 06 326 Funding Number: PAR 06 326 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Womens Mental Health and Sex/Gender Differences Research (R21) Apply for PA 06 334 Funding Number: PA 06 334 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Planning Grants For Translational Research For The Prevention And Control Of Diabetes And Obesity (R34) Apply for PAR 06 358 Funding Number: PAR 06 358 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Cell Lineage and Developmental Studies in Hearing and Balance (R21) Apply for PA 06 365 Funding Number: PA 06 365 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Proteomics in Auditory Developmental and Disease Processes (R21) Apply for PA 06 366 Funding Number: PA 06 366 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| NIAID Clinical Trial Planning (R34) Grants Apply for PAR 06 384 Funding Number: PAR 06 384 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| HIV Proteins and Their Cellular Binding Partners (R21/R33) Apply for PA 06 388 Funding Number: PA 06 388 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Pilot and Feasibility Clinical Research Grants in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases (R21) Apply for PA 06 387 Funding Number: PA 06 387 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Human Biospecimen Resources for Aging Research (R03) Apply for PA 06 443 Funding Number: PA 06 443 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Research Opportunities in Stuttering (R21) Apply for PA 06 482 Funding Number: PA 06 482 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Oral Health Research Education Grants (R25) Apply for PAR 06 506 Funding Number: PAR 06 506 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Phased Innovation Awards in AIDS Vaccine Research (R21/R33) Apply for PA 06 519 Funding Number: PA 06 519 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Immunology of Biofilms (R21) Apply for PA 06 538 Funding Number: PA 06 538 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| MBRS Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (RISE) (R25) Apply for PAR 06 548 Funding Number: PAR 06 548 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "PA 06 242", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.