The NIH is implementing a policy permitting Federal funding of research on existing human embryonic stem cell (HESC) lines that fulfill President Bush's eligibility criteria as outlined on the NIH Human Embryonic Stem Cell Registry (http://stemcells.nih.gov/index.asp).
The NIDDK is interested in supporting meritorious investigator-initiated research project grant applications as well as Small Business Innovation Research applications. All NIDDK-supported investigators proposing HESC research should consider the following steps:
- Contact your NIDDK program officer for current information regarding research using HESCs.
- Identify cell line(s) and provider(s) on the NIH Registry.
- Contact the provider. Providers may request a brief abstract of proposed research. The providers' material transfer requirements will vary and some providers will be interested in establishing collaborative research projects.
- Contact your institution's technology transfer office regarding the material transfer agreement (MTA) or memorandum of understanding (MOU) including intellectual property issues and the mechanism of payment.
- HESCs are difficult to culture. Specific training or prior HESC culture techniques will probably be required from the cell line provider or another laboratory with experience.
- If the source of the cell line is international, additional permits from the USDA and CDC are required and the link to this information is listed below.
In addition to supporting HESC research through investigator-initiated research the NIDDK has announced a number of Program Announcements with research objectives that could encompass the use of HESCs. The following initiatives are currently accepting applications:
INNOVATIVE AND EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN DIGESTIVE DISEASES AND NUTRITION
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-04-108.html
PILOT AND FEASIBILITY PROGRAM RELATED TO THE KIDNEY
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-04-144.html
EXPLORATORY GRANT PROGRAM IN DIABETES ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-04-137.html
In addition to the availability of the full range of existing NIDDK-supported Training and Career Development Awards (located at: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/fund/fund.htm), the NIDDK is co-sponsoring a number of research training initiatives specifically targeted to the needs of HESC research. The initiatives provide support for short-term courses, sabbaticals and long-term training.
The CAREER ENHANCEMENT AWARD FOR STEM CELL RESEARCH, http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-02-069.html, will enable investigators to change the direction of their research careers or to take time from their regular professional responsibilities to broaden their scientific background by acquiring new research capabilities, specifically in the use of human or animal embryonic, adult, or cord blood stem cells.
For additional information, please refer to the NIH Web site information on Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research: (http://stemcells.nih.gov/). This site links to the Registry, recent policies and "Frequency Asked Questions and Relevant Information for Researchers."
The following staff can provide information about NIDDK-supported research in this area:
Dr. Daniel G. Wright
Senior Scientific Advisor and Program Director for Hematology Research
KUH / NIDDK / NIH
Democracy II, Room 621
6707 Democracy Blvd. Bethesda, MD 20892
Phone: (301) 594-7714
FAX: (301) 480-3510
Email: dw341u@nih.gov
Dr. Robert W. Karp
Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
6707 Democracy Boulevard, Room 671,
Bethesda, MD 20892-5450
(For FedEx and UPS, use Bethesda, MD 20817)
Phone: 301-451-8875
Fax: 301-480-8300
Email: karpr@extra.niddk.nih.gov
Dr. Sheryl Sato
Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases/NIH
6707 Democracy Plaza, Room 6105
Bethesda, MD 20892-5460
(For FedEx and UPS, use Bethesda, MD 20817)
Phone: (301) 594-8811
Fax: (301) 480-3503
Email: satos@extra.niddk.nih.gov
