Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA AA 09 006

  • The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Mechanism of Alcohol Induced Organ Damage (R01)" and is now available to receive applicants.
  • Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.273 Alcohol Research Programs.
  • This funding opportunity was created on Jan 21, 2009 and posted on Jan 21, 2009.
  • Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 2, 2009. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
  • The funding agency has allocated a total of $2,000,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
  • Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $250,000.00 in funding.
  • Eligible applicants include: Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) For profit organizations other than small businesses Small businesses State governments City or township governments Public and State controlled institutions of higher education Private institutions of higher education Independent school districts Special district governments Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities County governments Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
  • Other Eligible Applicants include the following Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government Faith based or Community based Organizations Hispanic serving Institutions Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized) Non domestic (non U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) Regional Organizations Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) U.S. Territory or Possession.
Apply for RFA AA 09 006

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:

Opportunity Summary:

The Mechanism of Alcohol Induced Organ Damage (R01) funding opportunity (RFA-AA-09-006) is a National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), NIH research grant announcement that supports R01 projects focused on understanding how alcohol causes damage in the body at the molecular and cellular level. The central goal is to move beyond describing alcohol-related disease outcomes and instead explain the underlying biological mechanisms that drive tissue injury. Because excessive alcohol use can affect essentially every organ system, the announcement highlights broad relevance across organs and encourages projects that can clarify why certain tissues are vulnerable, what pathways are disrupted, and how those disruptions translate into progressive disease.

A major emphasis is on organ damage that occurs in systems commonly impacted by heavy drinking, including the liver, heart, pancreas, and lung, along with endocrine and immune systems, bone, and skeletal muscle. NIAAA notes that many of the core mechanisms behind these injuries are still not fully understood, which creates an opening for studies that can identify new causal pathways, key mediators, and mechanistic links between alcohol exposure and cellular dysfunction. The FOA is especially interested in integrative research that tackles complexity, meaning proposals that look at interacting pathways (rather than single isolated factors), and work that can distinguish mechanisms that are shared across multiple organs from those that are unique to a specific tissue.

The opportunity also explicitly encourages research on alcohol effects that extend into development and repair biology. This includes studies examining how alcohol influences stem cells, embryonic development, and tissue regeneration. That focus reflects a broader interest in how alcohol may interfere not only with normal cellular function but also with the body’s ability to develop properly, maintain healthy tissue, and recover after injury. Projects that connect alcohol exposure to long-term consequences in developmental programs or regenerative capacity align closely with the goals described in the announcement.

From a methods and approach standpoint, NIAAA signals strong interest in innovative experimental designs and newer technologies that can reveal mechanism in more comprehensive or precise ways. Examples specifically mentioned include functional genomics, systems biology approaches, and advanced microscopic imaging. The intent is to spur studies that generate deeper mechanistic insight and that can translate into clinically meaningful understanding of alcohol-related tissue injury. In practice, this could include multi-omics strategies to map pathway disruptions, network-based analyses of how alcohol perturbs interacting biological systems, or imaging techniques that visualize injury processes, cellular responses, or microstructural changes in tissues.

Model systems are considered a core component of the research strategy. The announcement encourages the development and use of animal models and cultured cell models as integral tools for mechanistic work, while also supporting studies involving human subjects where appropriate. This reflects a balance between controlled experimental systems that allow causal testing and human-based research that can validate relevance to clinical disease. Overall, the FOA frames the expected payoff as improved foundations for prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment, meaning that successful mechanistic discoveries should open doors to better biomarkers, clearer disease staging or prediction, and new therapeutic targets for preventing or mitigating alcohol-induced organ damage.

Administratively, this is a discretionary grant mechanism using the NIH Research Project Grant (R01) format, with no cost sharing or matching requirement. The estimated total funding listed is $2,000,000, with an award ceiling of $250,000. The posting date was January 21, 2009, with an original and current closing date of April 2, 2009, and an archive date of May 3, 2009. Eligibility is broad and includes many organization types such as higher education institutions (public and private), nonprofits (including 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) organizations), state and local governments, tribal governments and tribal organizations, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, independent school districts, special district governments, small businesses, and for-profit organizations other than small businesses. The FOA also lists additional eligible applicants including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, regional organizations, eligible federal agencies, and non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations). The program is associated with CFDA number 93.273 (Alcohol Research Programs).

In short, this FOA is designed to fund R01-level, mechanism-driven studies that explain how alcohol damages organs, prioritize integrative and cross-cutting biology, encourage developmental and regenerative angles, and promote the use of modern genomics, systems approaches, and imaging, supported by strong experimental models and, when relevant, human research, with the long-term aim of enabling better diagnostics and interventions for alcohol-related organ injury.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): The Mechanism of Alcohol Induced Organ Damage (R01) - RFA-AA-09-006

What is this funding opportunity?

This is an NIH research grant announcement from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) titled "The Mechanism of Alcohol Induced Organ Damage (R01)" (RFA-AA-09-006). It supports R01 research projects that investigate how alcohol causes organ and tissue damage at the molecular and cellular level.

What is the main goal of the FOA?

The central goal is to move beyond describing alcohol-related disease outcomes and instead explain the underlying biological mechanisms that drive tissue injury. Projects are expected to clarify causal pathways and mechanistic links between alcohol exposure and cellular dysfunction that lead to progressive disease.

What types of research are emphasized?

The FOA emphasizes mechanism-driven studies that explain how alcohol damages the body, including research that identifies new causal pathways, key mediators, and how disrupted pathways translate into organ injury and disease progression.

Which organ systems are specifically highlighted?

The announcement highlights broad relevance across organs, with emphasis on systems commonly impacted by heavy drinking, including the liver, heart, pancreas, and lung, as well as endocrine and immune systems, bone, and skeletal muscle.

Does the FOA encourage research that compares mechanisms across different organs?

Yes. The FOA encourages integrative research that can distinguish mechanisms that are shared across multiple organs from those that are unique to a specific tissue.

What does NIAAA mean by "integrative" research in this context?

Integrative research here refers to proposals that address biological complexity by examining interacting pathways rather than focusing on a single isolated factor. The intent is to better capture how alcohol perturbs networks of processes that contribute to tissue injury.

Is developmental biology or regeneration within scope?

Yes. The FOA explicitly encourages research on alcohol effects that extend into development and repair biology, including studies on stem cells, embryonic development, and tissue regeneration.

Why is development and tissue repair a focus area?

The FOA reflects interest in how alcohol may interfere not only with normal cellular function but also with the body’s ability to develop properly, maintain healthy tissue, and recover after injury. Projects linking alcohol exposure to long-term consequences in developmental programs or regenerative capacity align with this emphasis.

What methods and technologies are encouraged?

NIAAA signals strong interest in innovative experimental designs and newer technologies that can reveal mechanism in more comprehensive or precise ways. Examples specifically mentioned include functional genomics, systems biology approaches, and advanced microscopic imaging.

Are multi-omics or network-based approaches relevant to this FOA?

Yes. The FOA’s stated interest in functional genomics and systems biology supports approaches such as multi-omics strategies to map pathway disruptions and network-based analyses that examine how alcohol perturbs interacting biological systems.

Are imaging-based approaches relevant to this FOA?

Yes. Advanced microscopic imaging is specifically mentioned as an example of a technology that can help visualize injury processes, cellular responses, or microstructural changes in tissues to generate deeper mechanistic insight.

What kinds of model systems are expected or allowed?

Model systems are described as a core component of the research strategy. The FOA encourages development and use of animal models and cultured cell models as integral tools for mechanistic work.

Are studies involving human subjects allowed?

Yes. The FOA also supports studies involving human subjects where appropriate, reflecting a balance between controlled experimental systems for causal testing and human-based research that can validate clinical relevance.

What is the expected long-term impact of the funded research?

The FOA frames the expected payoff as improved foundations for prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment. Mechanistic discoveries are expected to enable better biomarkers, clearer disease staging or prediction, and new therapeutic targets for preventing or mitigating alcohol-induced organ damage.

What grant mechanism is being used?

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

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The FOA specifies that there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

How much funding is available under this FOA?

The estimated total funding listed is $2,000,000.

What is the award ceiling for individual awards?

The award ceiling listed for this opportunity is $250,000.

When was the FOA posted?

The posting date was January 21, 2009.

What are the closing dates for the FOA?

The original and current closing date is April 2, 2009.

When was the FOA archived?

The archive date is May 3, 2009.

What is the CFDA number associated with this program?

The program is associated with CFDA number 93.273 (Alcohol Research Programs).

Who is the sponsoring agency?

The sponsoring institute is the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

What types of organizations are eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes higher education institutions (public and private), nonprofits (501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3)), state and local governments, tribal governments and tribal organizations, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, independent school districts, special district governments, small businesses, and for-profit organizations other than small businesses.

Are minority-serving institutions included as eligible applicants?

Yes. The FOA lists Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) among eligible applicants.

Are faith-based or community-based organizations eligible?

Yes. Faith-based or community-based organizations are explicitly listed as eligible applicants.

Are non-U.S. (foreign) organizations eligible to apply?

Yes. The FOA includes non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations) among eligible applicants.

Are U.S. territories or possessions included in eligibility?

Yes. U.S. territories or possessions are listed among eligible applicants.

Are federal agencies eligible to apply?

Yes. The FOA lists eligible federal agencies among additional eligible applicants.

What kinds of research topics would fit well with the FOA’s priorities?

Based on the description, strong fits include studies that identify mechanistic pathways linking alcohol exposure to tissue injury; research that clarifies why certain tissues are vulnerable; integrative projects examining interacting pathways; work distinguishing shared versus organ-specific mechanisms; and studies connecting alcohol effects to development, stem cells, embryonic programs, or regeneration.

Does the FOA limit research to a single organ system?

No. The FOA emphasizes that excessive alcohol use can affect essentially every organ system and highlights broad relevance across organs, while also naming several commonly impacted systems as key areas of emphasis.

Browse more opportunities from the same agency: National Institutes of Health

Browse more opportunities from the same category: Health

Next opportunity: Rio Grande silvery minnow PVA Model Single Source Continuation

Previous opportunity: Expanding the Chemical Space for Carbohydrates (R01)

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 RFA AA 09 006

 

[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?

Applicants also applied for:

Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (RFA AA 09 006) also looked into and applied for these:

Funding Opportunity
Medical Monitoring Project (MMP) Apply for CDC RFA PS09 937

Funding Number: CDC RFA PS09 937
Agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Category: Health
Funding Amount: $930,000
EMSC Network Development Demonstration Project (NDDP) Central Data Management and Coordinating Center (CDMCC) Apply for HRSA 09 152

Funding Number: HRSA 09 152
Agency: Health Resources and Services Administration
Category: Health
Funding Amount: $1,600,000
The NEI Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Program Award (K12) Apply for PAR 09 083

Funding Number: PAR 09 083
Agency: National Institutes of Health
Category: Health
Funding Amount: Case Dependent
Accelerating Development of Methods for the Study of Complex Patients (R21) Apply for RFA HS 09 002

Funding Number: RFA HS 09 002
Agency: Agency for Health Care Research and Quality
Category: Health
Funding Amount: $300,000
Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08) Apply for PAR 09 085

Funding Number: PAR 09 085
Agency: Agency for Health Care Research and Quality
Category: Health
Funding Amount: Case Dependent
Independent Scientist Award (K02) Apply for PAR 09 086

Funding Number: PAR 09 086
Agency: Agency for Health Care Research and Quality
Category: Health
Funding Amount: Case Dependent
Mentored Research Scientist Research Career Development Award (K01) Apply for PAR 09 087

Funding Number: PAR 09 087
Agency: Agency for Health Care Research and Quality
Category: Health
Funding Amount: Case Dependent
Dietary Supplement Research Centers Botanicals (P50) Apply for RFA OD 09 001

Funding Number: RFA OD 09 001
Agency: National Institutes of Health
Category: Health
Funding Amount: $1,000,000
Tools to Mitigate and Understand the Mental Health Effects of National Disasters SBIR R43/R44 Apply for PA 06 335

Funding Number: PA 06 335
Agency: National Institutes of Health
Category: Health
Funding Amount: Case Dependent
Tools to Mitigate and Understand the Mental Health Effects of National Disasters STTR R41/R42 Apply for PA 06 336

Funding Number: PA 06 336
Agency: National Institutes of Health
Category: Health
Funding Amount: Case Dependent
Novel Tools for Investigating Brain derived GPCRs in Mental Health Research (STTR R41/R42) Apply for PA 06 374

Funding Number: PA 06 374
Agency: National Institutes of Health
Category: Health
Funding Amount: Case Dependent
Novel Tools for Investigating Brain derived GPCRs in Mental Health Research (SBIR R43/R44) Apply for PA 06 375

Funding Number: PA 06 375
Agency: National Institutes of Health
Category: Health
Funding Amount: Case Dependent
Longitudinal Surveys of the Elderly SBIR Initiative (R43/R44) Apply for PA 06 465

Funding Number: PA 06 465
Agency: National Institutes of Health
Category: Health
Funding Amount: Case Dependent
Longitudinal Surveys of the Elderly STTR Initiative (R41/R42) Apply for PA 06 464

Funding Number: PA 06 464
Agency: National Institutes of Health
Category: Health
Funding Amount: Case Dependent
Technological Enhancements for Surveys of the Elderly STTR (R41/R42) Initiative Apply for PA 06 472

Funding Number: PA 06 472
Agency: National Institutes of Health
Category: Health
Funding Amount: Case Dependent
Technological Enhancements for Surveys of the Elderly SBIR (R43/R44) Initiative Apply for PA 06 471

Funding Number: PA 06 471
Agency: National Institutes of Health
Category: Health
Funding Amount: Case Dependent
New Technology to Screen for Mild Hearing Loss in Children (SBIR R43/R44) Apply for PA 06 546

Funding Number: PA 06 546
Agency: National Institutes of Health
Category: Health
Funding Amount: Case Dependent
New Technology to Screen for Mild Hearing Loss in Children (STTR R41/R42) Apply for PA 06 547

Funding Number: PA 06 547
Agency: National Institutes of Health
Category: Health
Funding Amount: Case Dependent
New Approaches to Arrhythmia Detection and Treatment (STTR R41/R42) Apply for PA 07 031

Funding Number: PA 07 031
Agency: National Institutes of Health
Category: Health
Funding Amount: Case Dependent
New Approaches to Arrhythmia Detection and Treatment (SBIR R43/R44) Apply for PA 07 032

Funding Number: PA 07 032
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

 

USGrants.org applicant portal membership

 

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 "RFA AA 09 006", 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.