McGowan Institute?
February 2003| VOL. 2 | www.McGowan.pitt.edu
Under the leadership of Brack Hattler, M.D., Ph.D., researchers from UPMC are partnering with U.S. Army scientists to evaluate the merits of the experimental Hattler Respiratory Catheter for use in battlefield medicine - particularly as a possible treatment for lung injuries sustained in biochemical attacks. The two-year project includes close collaboration with U.S. Army scientists, affiliated with the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. The project is being funded by a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense that is being shared by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
Made up in part of a tightly bound fabric of microporous polypropylene hollow-fiber membranes, the catheter is inserted temporarily through a vein into the leg or neck and threaded into the vena cava. Early studies show that the catheter can substitute 40 percent to 60 percent of a patient’s compromised lung function.
The Second Annual McGowan Institute Scientific Retreat is taking shape. The Retreat Committee, under the leadership of Michael Chancellor is finalizing the program. Program is 1½ days and includes:
| Monday, March 3rd | |
| 12-2 PM | Buffet Luncheon |
| 2:00 PM | Welcome and Introduction by Alan Russell and Michael Chancellor, M.D.-Conference Chairperson |
| 2:15 PM | Update on Institute Networking-John Murphy |
| 2:30-4 PM | Keynote Address: Presentations from
recent additions to the faculty: |
| 4-6 PM | Concurrent Poster Session and Cocktail Reception |
| 7-8:30 PM | Dinner |
| 8:30-9 PM | Remarks by Roderick M. Bryden, McGowan Council Member and President & CEO World Heart Corporation |
| Tuesday, March 4th | |
| 7:30 AM | Continental Breakfast (or box breakfast) |
| 8:00 AM | Breakout sessions |
| 10:30 AM | Break |
| 11:00 AM | Breakout group reports |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch; Award Presentations |
| 2:00 PM | Open to enjoy the Nemacolin facilities or self-defined networking (note use of the Nemacolin facilities at the discretion and the expense of the participant) |
| 5:00 PM | Wrap up and depart |
Additional information and registration is available on-line at www.mirm.pitt.edu/events/retreat2003.htm. All Faculty members are encouraged to invite one graduate student or post doc. Posters are requested from the faculty and/or the trainee. All Faculty should register on-line and submit your abstract for the poster session. Please register by February 7th!
The McGowan Institute (of Regenerative Medicine) Graduate Students Network (MIGS-Net) has grown to 80 students. Additional students are welcome; please register on-line at http://ww4.anes.upmc.edu/apps/MIRM/migs_registration.html
You are cordially invited to attend a seminar sponsored by the MIGS-Net. Jörg Gerlach M.D., Ph.D. will lecture on "Bioreactors for Regenerative Medicine" and discuss graduate, technical and postdoctoral opportunities in his newly established laboratory at the MIRM. The seminar will be held on Friday, February 21, 2003 at 12:30pm in S100A Biomedical Science Tower. Lunch will be served. Please RSVP to Sara Hammond at hammondsa@msx.upmc.edu no later than noon on Friday, February 14, 2003.
Under the leadership of Ross Zafonte, D.O., chair, department of physical
medicine and rehabilitation, NIH had awarded two grants totaling $3.9
million to support clinical research aimed at developing and testing
the latest innovations in rehabilitation technology and discovering
more effective pharmaceutical treatments for persons with traumatic
brain injury (TBI).
These grants make the University of Pittsburgh the undisputed leader in TBI research and rehabilitation in the state and one of the leading centers in the country. It is estimated that between 2.5 and 6.5 million Americans alive today have had a traumatic brain injury and many of those have been left with significant cognitive, behavioral and communicative disabilities.
The two grants will evaluate rehabilitative and pharmaceutical interventions in persons with traumatic brain injury and their impact on patient recovery.
Christopher Niyibizi, Ph.D., research associate professor in the Ferguson Laboratory
for Orthopaedic Research in the department of orthopaedic surgery and
cell biology and physiology; and Johnny Huard, Ph.D., Henry J. Mankin
Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery have received grants totaling
more than $2 million from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal
and Skin Diseases at the NIH to fund studies that target the use of
stem cells to treat disease.
Dr. Niyibizi, has been awarded $1.26 million for a study, “Stem Cell Therapy for Diseases of Bone in a Mouse Model.” This study is evaluating the use of stem cells derived from adult bone marrow for the treatment of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a hereditary disorder of the connective tissue related to collagen production that can be marked by extreme fragility of the long bones and a bluish color of the whites of the eyes. A person with OI can break a rib by coughing or a leg by rolling over during sleep.
Dr. Huard has been awarded $1.2 million over five years for a study, “Muscle Regeneration Through Stem Cell Transplantation,” that focuses on using a unique population of muscle stem cells from healthy newborn mice to deliver dystrophin, a key protein for muscle function, into mice born with a genetic muscle-wasting disease similar to Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In humans, this genetic disease causes muscle weakness and early death because of respiratory or cardiac failure.
The McGowan Institute Wound Healing Conference is in the second year and continues to be a success as a superb forum for the faculty, staff and students whose interests are in the area of wound healing. The Conference agenda can be followed at http://www.mirm.pitt.edu/events/woundhealing2003jan.htm
The conference was initiated by David Steed and Pat Hebda. Pat continues to lead the development of the program and serves as an excellent point of contact for other interest groups who are forming similar forums. Pat can be reached at hebdap@chplink.chp.edu for inquiries on the Wound Healing Conference success story or suggestions on topics for subsequent sessions.
New Award: “Functional Tissue Engineering for Stress Incontinence”, Michael B. Chancellor, PI. Michael S. Sacks, Co-investigator. NIH R01, 12/1/02 - 11/30/07. Total cost: $1,351,000, Sacks sub-contract: $350,000.
Description: Utilizing techniques developed in our laboratory, we propose to mount a systematic in vitro and in vivo physiological and biomechanical analysis of muscle stem cell based tissue engineering treatment of stress urinary incontinence.
Publications: For the second time in one year, a publication from the
Sacks’ lab has been featured on the front cover of Annals of Biomedical
Engineering. The paper
is: M.S. Sacks, Z. He, L. Baijens, S. Wanant, P. Shah, H. Sugimoto,
and A.P. Yoganathan, "Surface strains in the anterior leaflet of
the functioning mitral valve," Annals of Biomedical Engineering,
Vol. 30, pp. 1281-1290, 2002. For more information about the Sacks Lab
see: www.pitt.edu/~MSACKS/ETML.HTML
David Vorp presented a paper “Computer Modeling Offers A Noninvasive
Evaluation For Rupture Potential Of Abdominal Aortic Aneuysms”
in Stockholm. The study details a new computational tool to predict
the rupture potential for individual abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA),
an advance that could positively impact the lives of thousands of patients
a year.
Aneurysms result when the wall of a blood vessel becomes weak or damaged.
The popular view is that aneurysms strike rarely, suddenly and unpredictably.
In fact, most lethal AAAs are often easy to diagnose with an inexpensive
ultrasound test, and can usually be treated. The question is when.
Using measurements derived from samples of vascular tissue removed during surgical repair combined with patient-specific information on risk factors such as smoking, family history, age, gender and AAA size, Dr. Vorp and his colleagues developed a statistical model to predict the local strength of one particular aneurysm wall. When this is combined with biomechanical analysis of stresses, a “rupture potential index” can be calculated with a range from zero to one, with zero representing a low risk of rupture, and one representing a high risk of rupture.
Over the past 20 years, the number of intact AAAs diagnosed in the United States has tripled to about 200,000 a year, partly because of the increased use of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and other diagnostic scans. Most, however, are never diagnosed, resulting in the deaths of about 18,000 Americans a year from rupture – more than AIDS or brain cancer, and four times as many as cervical cancer. For more information about the Vorp lab see: www.surgery.upmc.edu/vorplab/default.htm.
Diana Spencer is spearheading an initiative to develop a comprehensive contact list that can be used reach our constituents, both nationally and internationally, via electronic submission (in most cases).
As Diana notes, “this is a new and large mission that I hope you will embrace. It's easy to say that we are the global leader in regenerative medicine, and completely different to take the steps required. The first order of business is to create the Distribution Database. I will need your help with. Can each of you please provide contact information for those that you want on the list? Currently, I see the list being comprised of:
Scientists/Faculty - National and International
Business Leaders - National and International
Political Community - Local, State and Federal (We have the list for
PA)
Philanthropic Communities - Local and National (We have a list but
welcome your additions)
"Other"
Data that is needed includes:
Name, Title
Affiliation
Mailing address
Email address
There are no limits on the number of people that you add, but please keep a copy of this list for your future updates.....as no one else will know of these types of changes. I am open to all comments and suggestions on this subject and look forward to hearing from you.”
Diana Spencer
Associate Director of External Relations
412/235-5156; spencerdk3@msx.upmc.edu
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Questions?!?!?! Contact Lindsay Rodzwicz at the McGowan Institute |
SOMATIC CELL THERAPY PROCESSING—ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER
RFP NHLBI-HB-03-07
Proposal Intent Due Date: February 03, 2003
Proposal Due Date: March 03, 2003 4:00 PM (Eastern Time)
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) is soliciting proposals under the subject Request for Proposals (RFP). This RFP is prepared in accordance with the Uniform Contract Format as prescribed by the Federal Acquisition Regulations.
This project is designed to develop novel somatic cellular therapies that will aid investigators by providing support in areas ranging from basic science to animal studies to proof-of-principle and eventually human trials. The somatic cell processing facilities are charged with implementing the rapid, safe, and equable transition of basic research ideas to clinical practice as well as supplying clinical grade products produced in a manner that is compliant with all regulatory requirements. The somatic cell administrative center will serve as the monitor and coordinator for organizational and regulatory aspects of the program.
EXPLORATORY/DEVELOPMENTAL (R21) BIOENGINEERING RESEARCH GRANTS (EBRG)
http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-03-058.html
Receipt Dates: February 1, June 1, and October 1 through January 1, 2006
PURPOSE OF THIS PA
Participating Institutes and Centers (ICs) of the National Institutes
of Health (NIH) invite applications for Exploratory/Developmental
Bioengineering Research Grants (EBRG) to support innovative, high
risk/high impact bioengineering research in new areas that are lacking
preliminary testing or development. This research can explore approaches
and concepts new to a particular substantive area; research and development
of new technologies, techniques or methods; or initial research and
development of data upon which significant future research may be
built.
While this program announcement (PA) is intended to encourage innovation and high impact research, and while minimal preliminary data are expected to be described in the application, applications should clearly indicate the significance of the proposed work and that the proposed research and/or development is scientifically sound, that the qualifications of the investigators are appropriate, and that resources available to the investigators are adequate.
MECHANISM OF SUPPORT
This PA will use the NIH R21 award mechanism. As an applicant, you
will be solely responsible for planning, directing, and executing
the proposed project. Under this program announcement, applicants
for the EBRG award may request direct costs of up to $275,000 distributed
over two years. The EBRGs are in addition to a related program announcement
(PA) PA-02-011 for Bioengineering Research Grants(BRGs)
http://grants.nih.gov//grants/guide/pa-files/PA-02-011.html.
The BRGs differ from the EBRGs in that the BRG utilizes the R01 grant
mechanism and requires strong preliminary data for hypothesis-driven,
discovery-driven, developmental, or design-directed research. The
EBRG cannot be renewed; if sufficient results are generated during
the term of the award, investigators are encouraged to apply for further
funding through the Bioengineering Research Grant (BRG) R01 mechanism.
This PA uses just-in-time concepts. It also uses the modular budgeting format. (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/modular/modular.htm). Specifically, if you are submitting an application with direct costs in each year of $250,000 or less, use the modular format.
IMPROVEMENTS IN IMAGING METHODS AND TECHNOLOGIES
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-EB-03-007.html
LETTER OF INTENT RECEIPT DATE: February 24, 2003
APPLICATION RECEIPT DATE: March 24, 2003
PURPOSE OF THIS RFA
The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) invites applications for NIH Research Project Grant (R01) awards to support interdisciplinary basic research or Exploratory/Developmental Research (R21) awards to support novel investigations for the purpose of improving and extending methodologies and technologies for biomedical imaging.
The primary focus of this Request for Applications (RFA) is on technological
and methodological advances in human imaging. Other NIBIB-sponsored
initiatives are focused on the development of new and improved probes/contrast
agents for molecular imaging studies
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-EB-03-003.html
and on the development of dedicated small animal imaging devices http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-EB-03-002.html
and
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-03-031.html.
Biomedical imaging devices have been used to obtain anatomical images, and to provide localized biochemical and physiological analysis of tissues and organs. These approaches have included magnetic resonance (e.g., MRI, MRS), computed tomography (CT), nuclear medicine (e.g., PET, SPECT), optical (e.g., OCT, DOT), ultrasound, EEG/MEG, and other imaging devices. The ability of these devices to provide anatomical images and physiological information has provided unparalleled opportunities for biomedical and clinical research, and has the potential for important improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases. However, all biomedical imaging devices suffer from various limitations that can restrict their general applicability. Some major limitations are sensitivity, spatial resolution, temporal resolution, and ease of interpretation of data. One way to circumvent these limitations is to develop technological and methodological approaches that improve and extend the sensitivity, spatial and temporal resolution, and "information content" of complementary biomedical imaging techniques.
NIAMS SMALL GRANT PROGRAM FOR NEW INVESTIGATORS
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-02-030.html
Application Receipt Dates: February 22, 2002, June 21, 2002, and October 18, 2002; February 21, 2003, June 20, 2003, and October 17, 2003.
PURPOSE
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) is seeking small grant (R03) applications to stimulate and facilitate the entry of promising new investigators into areas of research of interest to the NIAMS. This solicitation will provide support for pilot research that is likely to lead to a subsequent individual research project grant (R01).
HIGH RISK RHEUMATIC AND MUSCULOSKELETAL AND SKIN DISEASES RESEARCH
http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AR-03-009.html
LETTER OF INTENT RECEIPT DATE: February 18, 2003
APPLICATION RECEIPT DATE: March 18, 2003
PURPOSE OF THIS RFA
The purpose of this initiative is to broaden the base of inquiry in fundamental biomedical, bio-behavioral, and biomedical technology research by encouraging applications for research projects that involve an especially high degree of innovation and novelty and, therefore, require a preliminary test of feasibility. The goal is to solicit research applications with the potential for developing ground-breaking technology or methodology that may lead to significant expansion of biomedical research horizons, precipitate a paradigm shift in research, or lead to substantial improvements in human health. Research projects proposed under this Request for Applications (RFA) may involve substantial experimental risks such that their potential for highly significant outcomes may be difficult to judge by the standard criteria used in evaluating investigator initiated (R01) proposals. Preliminary data are not required. The work proposed may not overlap with the aims of currently supported projects or those in which the Principal Investigator has participated during the past five years. Proposed projects must support the mission of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).
RESEARCH ON MICROBIAL BIOFILMS
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-03-047.html
This PA uses just-in-time concepts. It also uses the modular as well
as the
non-modular budgeting formats. Specifically, if you are submitting
an application with direct costs in each year of $250,000 or less,
use the modular format. Otherwise follow the instructions for non-modular
research grant applications.
PURPOSE OF THIS PA
The NIH Institutes listed above invite research grant applications to conduct studies on microbial biofilms leading to improved strategies to diagnose, prevent and treat biofilm-associated infectious diseases. Collaborative projects, both domestic and international, that bring together investigators in diverse scientific disciplines studying biofilms, including microbiology, immunology (including mucosal immunology), biochemistry, clinical medicine, pathology, bioengineering, material science, imaging technology, and mathematical modeling are encouraged.
Check It Out - The Office of Research, Health Sciences web-page has continually updated Highlighted Opportunities at http://www.oorhs.pitt.edu/. Here are a few:
National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) Shared Instrumentation
Grant
http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-RR-03-002.html
The NCRR has issued its annual Request for Applications for the shared instrumentation grant program. "The objective of the program is to make available to institutions expensive research instruments that can only be justified on a shared-use basis and for which meritorious research projects are described ...[This program supports] "commercially-available, technologically sophisticated equipment costing more than $100,000 ...a major user group of three or more investigators must be identified ...[who] must be principal investigators on NIH peer reviewed research grants at the time of the applications and award.
The deadline for receipt of applications by the NIH is March 21, 2003. Please note, however, that "documentation is required from a high level official from the university if several applications from the same campus are submitted for similar instruments." To insure, in advance of the deadline date, that duplicate requests for the same instrument are not submitted to NCRR, the University's Office of Research is keeping a log of anticipated proposal submissions. Information recorded includes the
- principal investigator
- other investigators that the instrument is to be shared with
- a brief description of the instrument to be requested
- the approximate cost of that instrument (must cost at least $100,000)
Department/area administrators should notify their Grants & Contract Officer in the Office of Research of possible proposal submissions by March 7, 2003 to allow time to notify principal investigators of duplicate requests. If you have further questions, you can also contact Elaine Riberich at the Office of Research (x47413;emr@orserver.off-res.pitt.edu).
Deadline for notification to Office of Research: March 7,
2003
Deadline for receipt by NIH: March 21, 2003.
Competitive Medical Research Fund (CMRF)
http://www.oorhs.pitt.edu/funding/CMRF.CFM
The University of Pittsburgh Office of Research, Health Sciences (OORHS) invites applications for grant support from the Competitive Medical Research Fund (CMRF). This announcement is for fiscal year 2004 funding, and the deadline for receipt of applications is February 28, 2003.
The UPMC Health System established the CMRF in 1985 with the intent of providing modest research support across the broad range of the biomedical sciences. Please refer to the Revised CMRF policies (available at http://www.oorhs.pitt.edu/funding/Policy.cfm) for further information about the goals of the CMRF program. There are three categories of application for CMRF funding: New Investigator, Bridge Support, and Collaborative Research. This solicitation is requesting applications in all three categories:
New Investigator application
- The intent of new investigator awards is to provide funds for relatively junior, independent scientists to develop the preliminary data and refinement of procedures and hypotheses that would enable submission of highly competitive applications to national funding sources.
- Faculty members at the levels of instructor and assistant professor are eligible. In rare circumstances, applications from associate professors will be considered if the applicant can demonstrate that he or she has only recently begun independent research activities.
- Maximum funding is $25,000 that can be expended over a period of up to 24 months.
- Please note that postdoctoral researchers are no longer eligible for these awards.
Bridge Funding application
- The intent of bridge funding is to provide support for investigators who have experienced lapses in funding; i.e., to provide funds to investigators who have applied for renewals of previously awarded grants, but whose renewal grant applications, while receiving highly favorable reviews, were not funded. These CMRF funds are intended to allow the concerns expressed through peer review to be addressed.
- Faculty at the levels of instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, and professor are eligible.
- Maximum funding is $25,000 that can be expended over a period of up to 12 months.
- The application must include (i) The summary statement/review/critique from the most recent submission of the application to an extramural funding source, i.e., the review of the renewal/continuation application that was not funded and for which interim/bridge funding is being requested; (ii) A two-page response by the investigator to the key points of the review including a statement as to how bridge support will help the investigator address these concerns.
Collaborative Research application
- The intent of collaborative research awards is to fund interdisciplinary, translational research that represents a true collaboration between a clinical scientist and a basic research scientist. Faculty at the levels of instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, and professor are eligible.
- Maximum funding is $25,000 that can be expended over a period of up to 24 months.
- A principal investigator and a co-principal investigator are required for these applications. One of the investigators (PI or co-PI) must be a basic scientist and one must be a clinical scientist.
- The application must demonstrate how the combined efforts in basic and clinical research will result in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary project that will facilitate the translation of a research project from the laboratory to the clinic. This translation need not necessarily be an immediate consequence of the research performed with CMRF support; if this translation will not be imminent, one goal of the research should be to identify the additional gaps of knowledge that must be closed before such a transition could be made.
- Research teams for which the principal investigator and the co-investigator have significant other funding must include specific statements in the application to address why CMRF support is needed to perform the proposed research. This statement should be made on page 2 (Summary Page) of the application form. Preferential consideration will be given to those applications for which the investigators are not funded for closely related activities.
CMRF grants are awarded on a competitive basis. A review committee composed of scientists from within the University of Pittsburgh, UPMC, and the local Veterans Administration medical science community, has responsibility for reviewing each application, for providing written critiques of each application, and for making recommendations for awards to OORHS and to the Boards of Directors of UPMC Presbyterian and UPMC Shadyside. Each application is reviewed by at least two members of the review committee who have relevant expertise, and each application is discussed by the entire committee during the review process.