Technologies of Interest
The Diagnostic Biomarkers and Technology Branch (DBT) supports the development of technologies that have the potential to be used for analysis of human tumors. Development of technologies is supported from initial research projects, to proof of principle studies, to technology validation and demonstration of potential for research and clinical application. Adaptation and modification of existing and emerging technologies are also supported. For a list of funding opportunities and information on how to apply for funding for technology development projects, see the list of Resources and Additional Information for Technology Developers.
Technology areas of interest include, but are not limited to the following:
Genomic Technologies:
- DNA- based technologies: Technologies for mutation and gene rearrangement detection and analysis; comparative genomic hybridization (CGH); high throughput genomic/genetic analysis technologies for detecting epigenetic modifications of DNA.
- RNA-based technologies: Technologies for analyzing gene expression such as cDNA and oligo microarrays; RNAi technologies; technologies for analyzing alternative splicing of mRNAs.
- Technologies for macromolecular sample preparation and technologies for nucleic acid amplification, sequencing, separtion, capture, labeling and imaging in vitro and in tissue specimens.
Proteomic and Metabolomic Technologies:
- Technologies for the comprehensive and/or quantitative separation and analysis of
- proteins, small molecules, carbohydrates and lipids such as 2Dgel/Mass Spectrometry systems, chromotograhpy, electorophoresis separation, bead technologies and sample preparation...
- Technologies to identify affinity ligands using antibodies, protein-protein interactions, combinatorial chemistry, aptamers or phage display
- High through-put metabolomic and protein array technologies.
- Technologies for labeling and imaging proteins and small molecules in vitro and in tissue specimens.
- Informatics systems for collection and management of data from comprehensive molecular analysis technologies.
- Software and statistical methods for analysis of data from comprehensive molecular analysis technologies.
Devices:
- Micro- technology, nano-technology or MEMS, lab-on –a-chip, microfabrication, on-chip separation and detection, point-of –care technologies, microfluidics, signal amplification and systems for comprehensive molecular analysis.
- Technologies for automated sample preparation and other automated, high-throughput systems.
- Integration of technologies into detection, analysis and/or diagnostic systems.
Obtaining Support for Marker Discovery and Technology Development Projects
DBT supports marker discovery research and technology development through targeted initiatives, participation in broad-ranging NCI and NIH-wide initiatives, small business grants (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/sbir.htm) and investigator initiated grants. DBT supports individual projects as well as large, comprehensive efforts. DBT provides support for investigators from fields not traditionally related to cancer or clinical biology, e.g. engineers, mathematicians, informatics specialists and physicists. DBTencourages and provides support for the integration of diverse teams of investigators who can link clinical and technical expertise to integrate biomarkers with technologies to develop, adapt, or enhance devices that will be useful to the clinical cancer research community.
For information on how to apply for grant support for marker discovery research and technology development projects or for more information on technology development in the Cancer Diagnosis Program, search for relevant Techonology Development Initiatives or contact DBT.
Current programs and areas of focus include
Resources and Additional Information for Technology Developers
Links to additional funding opportunities, biological resources, and sources of information for technology developers from the NCI and NIH.
Section Last Updated: 08/30/07
