Guide for Understanding Genetic Conditions

The National Library of Medicine (NLM), NIH, offers information about genetic conditions and the genes or chromosomes responsible for them on its Genetics Home Reference Web site. The Web site, which was designed for the public, provides explanations that are easy to understand.

Users can browse topics by specific genetic conditions, genes, or chromosomes. The site features an online handbook, titled “Help Me Understand Genetics,” which is an illustrated, basic explanation of how genes work and how mutations cause disorders. The handbook also includes current information about genetic testing, gene therapy, and the Human Genome Project. Additional features on the Web site include a glossary of genetic and medical terms and links to relevant genetic resources.

NIH Web Site for New Investigators

The Office of Extramural Research, NIH, established a Web site for new investigators. The site features resources that new investigators can use to understand and work with the NIH, describes current NIH funding policies, and provides links to helpful hints for preparing a first application for NIH support.

NHLBI Research Initiatives

From time to time, the NHLBI invites investigators to submit grant applications or contract proposals for specific research programs. We are currently soliciting applications for the programs described below. For a full details of these and other research initiatives, visit www.nhlbi.nih.gov/funding/inits/index.htm or the Web page that is linked each initiative number.

Bioengineering Approaches to Energy Balance and Obesity

• Initiative Number: RFA-HL-04-022
• Applications due: February 16, 2005
• Objective: To develop and validate new and innovative bioengineering technology to address clinical problems related to energy balance, intake, and expenditure.

Cellular and Genetic Discovery Toward Curative Therapy in Myeloproliferative Disorders (MPD)

• Initiative Number: RFA-HL-04-034
• Applications due: February 16, 2005
• Objective: To search for new cellular and genetic markers associated with the origin and progression of MPD that can be applied to the development of new therapeutics.

Centers of Excellence in Translational Human Stem Cell Research

• Initiative Number: RFA-NS-05-005
• Applications due: March 24, 2005
• Objective: To accelerate application of the latest advances in human stem cell biology for the development of diagnostic or therapeutic uses and for preclinical studies employing human stem cells in animal models of disease.

Community Participation in Research

• Initiative Number: PAR-05-026
• Applications due: May 17, 2005, 2006, and 2007
• Objective: To support research on health promotion, disease prevention, and health disparities that is jointly conducted by communities and researchers.

Critical Issues in Post-Phlebitic Syndrome

• Initiative Number: RFA-HL-05-014
• Applications due: May 24, 2005
• Objective: To support research on venous biology and on post-thrombotic response of the vein wall and valve function, in order to accelerate preclinical studies and develop better management principles for post-phlebitic syndrome.

Heart Failure Clinical Research Network

• Initiative Number: RFA-HL-05-003
• Applications due: August 16, 2005
• Objective: To establish a Heart Failure Clinical Research Network that will expedite clinical research to evaluate the diagnosis, management, and treatment of heart failure.

Infectious Agents in the Origins of Chronic Lung Disease

• Initiative Number: RFA-HL-05-005
• Applications due: May 17, 2005
• Objective: To investigate the contribution of infectious agents or infectious agent-derived bioproducts to the early origin of chronic lung diseases in humans.

Mechanisms of HIV-related Pulmonary Complications

• Initiative Number: RFA-HL-04-031
• Applications due: March 16, 2005
• Objective: To encourage innovative research on the roles of co-infections, immune factors, and genetic predisposition in the pathogenesis of HIV-related pulmonary diseases.

Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS): Seeking Cure through Discovery on Pathogenesis and Disease Progression

• Initiative Number: RFA-HL-04-033
• Applications due: February 16, 2005
• Objectives: To encourage basic research on the pathogenesis and disease progression of MDS that can be applied to the development of new therapeutics.

SBIR/STTR Technologies for Monitoring and Performing Resuscitation

• Initiative Number: PA-04-059
• Applications due: April 1, 2005; August 1, 2005; and December 1, 2005
• Objective: To encourage small businesses to participate in the development of new approaches, tools, methods, devices, and biomaterials for monitoring and performing resuscitation.

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Clinical Research Network

• Initiative Number: RFA-HL-05-006
• Applications due: April 25, 2005
• Objective: To establish a clinical research network that can translate results from basic and Phase I/II studies into Phase III trials in patients with SCD and when appropriate, thalasssemia.

Specialized Centers of Clinically Oriented Research (SCCOR) in Vascular Injury, Repair, and Remodeling

• Initiative Number: RFA-HL-05-001
• Applications due: May 11, 2005
• Objective: To improve prevention, detection, characterization, management, and treatment of vascular diseases by investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms of vascular injury, repair, and remodeling.

Need More Information?

We are always interested in receiving comments and suggestions from the community. If you or your organizations have questions for me or for the Institute, please contact me at nabele@nhlbi.nih.gov or Dr. Carl Roth at rothc@nih.gov.

For information on specific issues, the following contacts may be helpful:

For health related questions and publications, please contact the trained information specialists at the NHLBI Information Center (NHLBIinfo@nhlbi.nih.gov) or write to the Information Center at P.O. Box 30105, Bethesda, MD 20824-0105.

For communications pertaining to NHLBI policies and priorities, contact the NHLBI Office of Public Liaison, (nhlbi.listens@nih.gov).

For additional information regarding NHLBI events, consult the references provided or NHLBI Calendar. Most other NIH Institutes and Centers also maintain calendars on their Web sites. Links to their Web pages are at NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices.

For Web related matters pertaining to the online version of the FYI from the NHLBI, contact the FYI from the NHLBI's Web Editor.