Proteome Characterization Centers for Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (U24) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity supports the Proteome Characterization Centers for the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) under a U24 cooperative agreement. It is associated with RFA-CA-15-021 and is administered by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

What is the main purpose of the CPTAC Proteome Characterization Centers (U24) program?

The main purpose is to expand and accelerate large-scale cancer proteomics and proteogenomics research by producing widely usable research resources for the broader scientific community. The program emphasizes coordinated, multi-center efforts that generate datasets, methods, and reference materials that other researchers can use to speed discovery.

What kinds of activities or outcomes is the program designed to support?

The program is designed to support systematic, large-scale characterization of tumor proteomes across multiple cancer types, integration of proteomic data with genomic characterization, and the creation of broadly shareable resources such as high-quality datasets, methods, standards, and reference materials.

Is this intended to fund a single-lab research project?

No. The opportunity is framed around consortium-style, coordinated work rather than a narrow, single-lab project. It supports multi-center efforts that can operate at scale and deliver standardized, reusable outputs.

What is meant by "deep proteome characterization" in this FOA?

Within the context provided, "deep proteome characterization" refers to systematically examining tumor proteins and protein-related features, including protein abundance, modifications, interactions, and pathway activity, to better understand cancer biology beyond DNA and RNA measurements.

What is proteogenomics in the context of this opportunity?

Proteogenomics here refers to integrating proteomic measurements with genomic characterization to connect protein-level changes in tumors to genomic abnormalities such as mutations and copy number changes, helping clarify how genomic events manifest at the functional protein level.

Why does the FOA emphasize linking genomic alterations to protein-level changes?

The FOA highlights that many disease mechanisms become visible at the functional molecular layer of proteins. By linking genomic changes to protein and pathway behavior, the program aims to improve understanding of tumor biology and reveal clinically relevant insights.

Does the opportunity have a translational or clinical emphasis?

Yes. The FOA highlights translational, clinically relevant applications and expects the work to remain grounded in patient-relevant problems, such as understanding tumor subtypes, identifying potential biomarkers, clarifying drug response mechanisms, or improving interpretation of molecular drivers using proteogenomic evidence.

What does it mean that this is a U24 cooperative agreement?

A U24 cooperative agreement implies substantial involvement and coordination with NIH/NCI staff compared with a standard research project grant. It is structured to support resource-building and consortium operations, with emphasis on coordination, shared standards, reproducibility, and broad dissemination of outputs.

How does this program relate to prior CPTAC efforts?

The FOA is described as a reissuance of CPTAC, indicating continuity with prior consortium infrastructure while updating goals to reflect newer technical capabilities in proteomics and cancer genomics.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes: public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; nonprofit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); small businesses; state, county, city/township, and special district governments; independent school districts; federally recognized tribal governments; other tribal organizations; and public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities.

Are small businesses eligible?

Yes. The eligibility list includes small businesses, and it also includes for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), indicating that both small businesses and certain other for-profit entities may apply under the eligibility categories described.

Are tribal entities eligible?

Yes. The eligibility list includes federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations.

Which federal agencies and components are associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as the institute administering the program. The agency component is identified as HHS-NIH11.

What are the CFDA numbers associated with this opportunity?

The posting references CFDA numbers 93.393, 93.394, and 93.396, which correspond to NCI-related assistance listings.

What is the award ceiling?

The funding details provided indicate an award ceiling of $800,000.

How many awards are expected?

The posting indicates an expectation of about three awards.

When was the FOA posted and when did it close?

The FOA was posted on November 2, 2015, and the closing date listed is January 27, 2016.

What types of resources are these centers expected to produce?

Based on the description provided, the centers are expected to generate widely usable resources for the scientific community, including datasets, methods, and reference materials, with an emphasis on high quality, standardization, reproducibility, and broad dissemination.

What is the overarching scientific focus?

The focus is large-scale cancer proteomics and proteogenomics, particularly characterizing tumor proteomes across several cancer types and integrating proteomic data with genomic information to better understand cancer biology and enable translationally relevant insights.