NIH Blueprint Initiative: Tools for Germline Gene Editing in the Nervous System

The NIH Blueprint (a consortium of NIH Institutes that support neuroscience research) seeks to advance its mission by supporting the development, optimization, validation, and application of germline and somatic transgenic and gene-editing approaches in experimental systems modeling key features of human brain anatomy, circuitry, cognition, behavior, and lifespan. This initiative will build on the previously supported marmoset gene-editing infrastructure, by integrating New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) with other models, to advance understanding of human brain function and disease, including human-derived NAMs for cross-species comparisons across development. Many mechanisms of complex conditions, such as autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and other behavioral/developmental disorders, cannot yet be captured in NAMs and are therefore high priorities for research investment to accelerate development and validation of human-derived NAMs. Appropriate models should be used and clearly justified as necessary for questions involving neuroanatomy, circuit function, cognition, behavior, or lifespan phenotyping related to human brain disease and function. Grant authorities are as follows: 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;Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions).

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.