Single Cell Opioid Responses in the Context of HIV (SCORCH) Program: Phase 2

NIDA seeks to further advance its mission in the area of single cell biology. Since 2020, the NIDA-funded Single Cell Opioid Responses in the Context of HIV (SCORCH) consortium has generated single-nucleus datasets from human and animal postmortem brain tissue under conditions of HIV infection, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and/or substance exposure (e.g. opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, and cannabinoids). Building on this Phase 1 foundation, NIDA will encourage research addressing critical questions on Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and interactions with HIV disease progression at the subcellular, cellular, or circuit levels in the Central Nervous System (CNS). Many new cutting-edge single cell approaches (e.g. interrogation of RNA splicing, non-coding RNAs, epigenomic or proteomic features, subcellular or synaptic localization and function, spatial interactions, cell-cell communication, or cellular connectivity) now enable novel hypothesis-generating studies. Along with data mining studies to identify candidate mechanisms or targets contributing to HIV/SUD interactions and hypothesis-driven studies to assess functional significance, we expect SCORCH Phase 2 to significantly advance our mechanistic understanding of SUDs and HIV in the CNS and identify targets for novel therapies. Grant authorities that allow NIDA to forecast this opportunity are 42 U.S.C. §§ 241 and 284

Other Eligible ApplicantsIndian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized);Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government;U.S. Territory or Possession;Faith-based or Community-based Organizations;Regional Organizations;

The following considerations will be used in determining projects to be funded: (1) Scientific and technical merit; (2) the feasibility of the research; (3) potential contribution to the national drug abuse problem; and (4) relevance to NIDA priorities. The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR Phase I grant applications: (1) The soundness and technical merit of the proposed approach; (2) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (3) the technological innovation of the proposed research; (4) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (5) the appropriateness of the budget requested; (6) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research environment; and (7) where applicable, the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for (a) safeguarding human or animal subjects and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing any adverse effect on the environment. Phase II grant applications will be reviewed based upon the following criteria: (1) The degree to which the Phase I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the scientific and technical merit of the proposed approach for achieving the Phase II objectives; (3) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (4) the technology.