Functional Validation and/or Characterization of Genes or Variants Implicated in Substance Use Disorders (R21/R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Support projects to functionally validate genes involved in substance use disorders through genome or epigenome editing, with resulting resources available for broader scientific community.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
National Institutes of Health has archived this opportunity.
Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates: March 3, 2025 (New, Renewal, Resubmission, Revision) | July 28, 2025 (New, Renewal, Resubmission, Revision)
Funding Amounts: Up to $125,000/year (R21 phase, max 2 years); up to $250,000/year (R33 phase, max 3 years); total project period up to 5 years.
Summary: Supports functional validation and characterization of genes or variants implicated in substance use disorders using genome or epigenome editing, with resources made broadly available.
Key Information: Clinical trials are not allowed; generated genetic resources must be shared with the scientific community.
Description
This NIH funding opportunity supports research projects that functionally validate and/or characterize genes or genetic/epigenetic variants implicated in substance use disorder (SUD)-relevant phenotypes. The initiative emphasizes the use of genome or epigenome editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR, epigenome editing, iPS systems) to confirm and explore the roles of candidate genes or variants identified through genetic, transcriptomic, or epigenomic studies. The ultimate goal is to provide foundational knowledge for future prevention, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies for SUDs, and to make any genetic resources generated broadly available to the research community.
The program uses a phased R21/R33 mechanism:
- R21 phase: High-risk, milestone-driven exploratory work (up to 2 years).
- R33 phase: Expanded, in-depth characterization (up to 3 years), contingent on successful completion of R21 milestones.
Projects may include orthogonal validation of candidate genes/variants, mechanistic studies in model organisms or human organoids, and functional characterization of addiction-relevant phenotypes. Alcohol-only studies are not eligible; focus must be on substances relevant to NIDA (e.g., nicotine, cocaine, stimulants, opioids, cannabinoids).
