The Role of Microbial Metabolites in Cancer Prevention and Etiology (U01) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the NIH funding opportunity PAR-13-159?

PAR-13-159 is an NIH Funding Opportunity Announcement titled "The Role of Microbial Metabolites in Cancer Prevention and Etiology (U01)." It supports research on how metabolites produced by microbes (especially gut bacteria) influence cancer risk, cancer prevention, and cancer progression, with an emphasis on understanding biological function and molecular mechanisms.

What is the main scientific focus of this FOA?

The central focus is not simply identifying which microbial metabolites are present, but determining what those metabolites do in the body and how they do it. The FOA emphasizes mechanism-based research that connects microbially generated chemicals to cancer-related biological processes.

What kinds of microbial metabolites are of interest?

The FOA broadly targets metabolites produced by microbes, with particular attention to metabolites produced by gut bacteria. The key interest is in metabolites that can influence cancer-related pathways and outcomes.

Which cancer-related pathways does the FOA highlight?

The FOA specifically highlights pathways tied to tumor development and control, including cell proliferation, programmed cell death (apoptosis), cytokine signaling, inflammation, and immune modulation.

Does the FOA focus only on the gastrointestinal tract?

No. While local effects in the gastrointestinal tract are included, the FOA also emphasizes that microbial metabolites can affect distant sites in the body. This reflects the idea that microbial byproducts may enter circulation or shift systemic immune and inflammatory states, potentially influencing cancer risk in organs beyond the gut.

Are both preclinical and clinical studies allowed?

Yes. The FOA supports both preclinical and clinical research, allowing projects to span the translational pipeline from mechanistic studies in model systems to human studies assessing metabolite patterns, biological responses, and cancer-relevant endpoints.

Why does the FOA emphasize understanding "what metabolites do" rather than just cataloging them?

The FOA aims to move beyond profiling and toward explaining causal or functional roles of microbial metabolites in cancer prevention and etiology. The goal is to link specific metabolites to biological mechanisms and cancer-relevant processes rather than stopping at detection or association alone.

What does the FOA mean by variability in microbial metabolite production?

It refers to differences in how individuals and populations produce microbial metabolites, including differences across racial and ethnic groups. The FOA encourages studies that examine how such variability may contribute to cancer prevention or cancer promotion.

How is diet related to this funding opportunity?

The FOA connects microbial metabolism to diet by recognizing that dietary interventions often produce inconsistent results across people. It supports research aimed at understanding why the same dietary change or food component may help some individuals, have limited benefit for others, or potentially increase risk in certain cases.

Does the FOA encourage research on why dietary interventions work differently across people?

Yes. A major objective is to identify factors that drive different responses to foods and food components, and to improve the ability to predict who is likely to benefit from specific dietary recommendations and who may be placed at risk.

Are biomarkers part of the FOA's goals?

Yes. The FOA stresses the need for early markers (biomarkers) that can identify individuals most likely to gain the maximum protective effect from dietary changes.

What type of research teams does NIH expect for this FOA?

The FOA is structured to promote interdisciplinary, team-based projects because the research questions span microbiology, cancer biology, nutrition science, and population differences. Collaborations are encouraged across areas such as cancer biology, microbiology, nutrition, analytical chemistry, and genetics.

Does the FOA allow multiple Program Directors/Principal Investigators (PDs/PIs)?

Yes. The FOA explicitly encourages applications with multiple PDs/PIs to reflect a team-science approach.

What does it mean that this is a U01 cooperative agreement?

A U01 is a cooperative agreement mechanism where NIH expects substantial interaction with awardees compared with a standard research project grant. Under this FOA, awardees should anticipate coordination and ongoing engagement with NIH staff as part of the program structure.

Are there coordination or community expectations for awardees?

Yes. Awardees are expected to attend an annual meeting with NIH personnel to present findings, share methods and emerging data, and coordinate with other funded teams. The intent is to accelerate progress, reduce duplication, and promote sharing of tools, protocols, and insights.

When was this funding opportunity posted, and what are the key dates?

The FOA was posted on April 4, 2013. The original and current closing date is November 14, 2014, and the archive date is December 15, 2014.

Which NIH program areas are associated with this FOA?

The FOA is associated with CFDA program areas 93.393 (Cancer Cause and Prevention Research) and 93.396 (Cancer Biology Research).

Is cost sharing required?

No. The FOA states that cost sharing is not required.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad. It includes many types of U.S. organizations such as public and private higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profits other than small businesses, small businesses, and various government entities. It also includes foreign organizations and foreign components, consistent with NIH policy.

Does the FOA encourage applications from institutions serving specific communities?

Yes. The FOA explicitly notes eligibility for institutions and organizations serving specific communities, including HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribally controlled colleges and universities, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions, and AANAPISI institutions. This aligns with the FOA's interest in population variability and cancer disparities.

What is the overall goal or expected payoff of research funded under PAR-13-159?

The FOA aims to build a clearer, mechanism-based picture of how microbial metabolism interacts with diet, immunity, inflammation, and host biology to shape cancer outcomes. The expected payoff is more precise, evidence-based strategies for cancer prevention and risk reduction, including better-targeted dietary guidance and earlier identification of who is most likely to benefit.

Does the FOA specifically focus on cancer prevention, cancer causes, or cancer progression?

It covers all three. The FOA supports research on cancer prevention and etiology (causes) and also includes cancer progression, particularly through understanding how microbial metabolites influence cancer-related biological pathways.

Is this opportunity intended to create a network of researchers?

Yes. The built-in annual meeting and coordination expectations reflect an intent to create an active research community around microbial metabolites and cancer, enabling method sharing, harmonized approaches where useful, and faster dissemination of findings.