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

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 16 371

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant opportunity titled "Phenotypic and Functional Characterization of ApoE2 to Inform Translation Strategies for Aging-Related Conditions (R21)" (Funding Opportunity Number PAR-16-371) is a discretionary NIH research grant that uses the R21 mechanism to support exploratory, early-stage projects. The central focus is Apolipoprotein E (ApoE), specifically the ApoE e2 allele, and how ApoE2 differs from other common ApoE variants at the physiological, cellular, and functional levels. The intent is to generate new, developmental research findings that clarify why ApoE2 is associated with different patterns of longevity and risk for aging-related diseases compared with other ApoE alleles.

At its core, the FOA is looking for studies that dig into measurable traits (phenotypes) and underlying biological mechanisms (function) attributable to ApoE2. This includes characterizing how ApoE2 influences processes tied to aging and age-related conditions, and how those effects may be beneficial in some contexts while potentially harmful in others. By comparing ApoE e2 to other ApoE alleles, applicants are expected to identify specific pathways or cellular behaviors that could explain ApoE2s "differential effects" on lifespan and disease susceptibility. The bigger translational goal is to pinpoint therapeutic targets and strategies that could mimic ApoE2s favorable biology to prevent, delay, or reduce the severity of diseases linked to aging, while also avoiding adverse consequences that could come from copying ApoE2 biology too broadly or in the wrong setting.

Because this is an R21, the opportunity is geared toward exploratory and developmental work rather than large, fully mature programs. In practice, that typically means projects that are high-impact but still at the stage where key mechanistic questions need to be tested, novel models or methods need to be validated, or preliminary data are being generated to justify a future, more extensive application. The award ceiling listed is $200,000, indicating a relatively modest budget consistent with the R21 programs role in helping teams take a promising concept far enough to demonstrate feasibility and produce actionable leads.

The activity category is Health, and the CFDA number provided is 93.866, reflecting its placement within NIH funding streams relevant to aging and related biomedical research. The opportunity was created on 2016-07-15, and the original closing date shown is 2019-09-07, which signals that the posting is tied to that historical submission window. The listing does not specify the number of expected awards in the provided text.

Eligibility is broad and includes a wide range of applicant types across government, academia, nonprofit, and industry. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township, and special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; and tribal organizations that are not federally recognized. It also includes public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities, 501(c)(3) nonprofits and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (in both cases other than institutions of higher education), for-profit organizations other than small businesses, and small businesses. In addition to those standard categories, the FOA explicitly highlights other eligible groups such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and even non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations). This wide eligibility suggests NIH is encouraging participation from diverse institutions and communities, including those that may bring unique populations, datasets, or translational perspectives to ApoE-related aging research.

In summary, this FOA funds short, exploratory R21 projects aimed at teasing apart what makes ApoE2 biologically distinct, how those differences relate to longevity and aging-associated disease risk, and how that knowledge can be turned into practical intervention ideas. The emphasis is on identifying tractable mechanisms and targets that could let researchers capture the protective aspects associated with ApoE2 while steering clear of any tradeoffs or negative effects that could emerge when manipulating ApoE pathways in real-world clinical settings.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Phenotypic and Functional Characterization of ApoE2 to Inform Translation Strategies for Aging-Related Conditions (R21)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.866.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2016-07-15.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2019-09-07. (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: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), 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, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PAR 16 371

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