Phenotypic and Functional Characterization of ApoE2 to Inform Translation Strategies for Aging-Related Conditions (R21) | PAR 16 371

FAQs: Phenotypic and Functional Characterization of ApoE2 to Inform Translation Strategies for Aging-Related Conditions (R21) (PAR-16-371)

What is the title and funding opportunity number for this NIH grant?

The opportunity is titled "Phenotypic and Functional Characterization of ApoE2 to Inform Translation Strategies for Aging-Related Conditions (R21)" and the Funding Opportunity Number is PAR-16-371.

What kind of grant mechanism does this opportunity use?

This funding opportunity uses the NIH R21 mechanism, which is intended to support exploratory and developmental research projects.

What is the overall purpose of this FOA?

The FOA supports studies that clarify how the ApoE e2 allele (ApoE2) differs from other common ApoE variants at physiological, cellular, and functional levels, and how those differences relate to longevity and risk for aging-related diseases. The goal is to generate developmental findings that can inform translation strategies for aging-related conditions.

What is the central scientific focus of the opportunity?

The central focus is Apolipoprotein E (ApoE), specifically the ApoE e2 allele, and the measurable phenotypes and biological mechanisms attributable to ApoE2 compared with other ApoE alleles.

What does "phenotypic and functional characterization" mean in the context of this FOA?

In this FOA, it refers to studying measurable traits (phenotypes) and underlying biological mechanisms (function) linked to ApoE2. That includes examining physiological, cellular, and pathway-level differences that may explain ApoE2's different associations with lifespan and aging-related disease risk.

What types of research questions is NIH looking for under this FOA?

NIH is looking for projects that investigate how ApoE2 influences aging-related processes and conditions, including situations where ApoE2-related biology may be beneficial in some contexts but potentially harmful in others. Projects are expected to compare ApoE2 with other ApoE alleles to identify specific pathways or cellular behaviors tied to ApoE2's differential effects.

Is this opportunity aimed at basic research, translational research, or both?

Based on the description provided, the FOA supports mechanistic characterization work with a translational intent. It emphasizes identifying biological mechanisms and targets that could inform practical intervention ideas, including strategies to mimic beneficial ApoE2 biology while avoiding adverse consequences.

What is the translational goal of the funded research?

The translational goal is to pinpoint therapeutic targets and strategies that could reproduce ApoE2's favorable biology to prevent, delay, or reduce the severity of diseases linked to aging, while also avoiding negative tradeoffs that could occur if ApoE pathways are manipulated too broadly or in the wrong setting.

Why does the FOA emphasize both beneficial and potentially harmful effects of ApoE2?

The FOA highlights that ApoE2 may have different effects depending on context. The intent is to understand those context-specific effects so future interventions can capture protective aspects associated with ApoE2 without creating unintended adverse outcomes.

What stage of research is this FOA designed to support?

This is an R21 opportunity, so it is designed for exploratory, early-stage, and developmental projects. It is positioned for high-impact ideas that still require key mechanistic tests, validation of novel models or methods, or generation of preliminary results to support a later, more extensive application.

How large is the award budget for this R21?

The award ceiling listed is $200,000, reflecting a modest budget consistent with the exploratory role of the R21 mechanism.

Does the provided listing state how many awards NIH expects to make?

No. The information provided does not specify the number of expected awards.

What is the activity category for this grant opportunity?

The activity category listed is Health.

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number provided is 93.866.

When was this opportunity created and what is the closing date shown?

The opportunity was created on 2016-07-15, and the original closing date shown is 2019-09-07. The dates indicate the listing is tied to that historical submission window.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad. Eligible applicants include many types of governments, academic institutions, nonprofits, and companies, as well as certain special categories and even non-U.S. entities.

Which government entities are eligible applicants?

Eligible government applicants include state governments; county governments; city or township governments; special district governments; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; U.S. territories or possessions; and eligible federal agencies. Public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities are also eligible.

Which education organizations are eligible applicants?

Eligible education applicants include independent school districts, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, and private institutions of higher education. The FOA also highlights eligibility for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, AANAPISIs, Hispanic-serving Institutions, HBCUs, TCCUs, and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities.

Are tribal organizations eligible if they are not federally recognized?

Yes. In addition to federally recognized Native American tribal governments, the FOA includes tribal organizations that are not federally recognized as eligible applicants.

Are nonprofits eligible to apply?

Yes. The FOA includes 501(c)(3) nonprofits and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (in both cases other than institutions of higher education). It also explicitly highlights faith-based or community-based organizations.

Are for-profit organizations eligible to apply?

Yes. The FOA includes for-profit organizations other than small businesses, and it also includes small businesses as eligible applicants.

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

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

What makes this opportunity different from a larger, more mature research program?

This opportunity is structured as an R21, emphasizing exploratory and developmental work. It is meant to support early testing of key mechanistic ideas, validation of new approaches, and generation of feasibility evidence rather than funding a large, fully mature research program.

What outcomes is NIH hoping to see from funded projects?

Based on the description, NIH is seeking new developmental findings that explain how ApoE2 is biologically distinct and how that distinct biology connects to longevity and aging-related disease risk, with an emphasis on producing actionable leads (such as pathways, mechanisms, or targets) that can inform translation strategies.