Functional Genetics, Epigenetics, and Non-coding RNAs in Substance Use Disorders (R01) | PA 17 155

Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 17 155

Functional Genetics, Epigenetics, and Non-coding RNAs in Substance Use Disorders (R01) (Funding Opportunity Number PA-17-155) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) discretionary grant opportunity that supports basic research aimed at moving beyond gene discovery and into biological explanation for substance use disorders (SUDs). The core idea is that large-scale genetic and genomic studies have already produced lists of candidate genes, gene variants, epigenetic marks, and non-coding RNA signals associated with SUD risk or related traits, but identifying candidates is only the starting point. This FOA is focused on the next steps: determining which of those candidates truly have causal or meaningful functional roles in SUDs and clarifying how they influence underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms.

The announcement emphasizes two main research directions. First, it encourages functional validation studies designed to sort signal from noise, meaning projects that rigorously test whether a candidate gene, variant, epigenetic feature, or non-coding RNA actually contributes to SUD-relevant biology rather than being a passive association. This can include experimental approaches that directly manipulate or model candidate mechanisms to establish functional relevance. Second, it calls for detailed mechanistic work that maps the molecular pathways and biological processes affected by those validated candidates. A particular priority is given to genes and mechanisms that appear to play unexpected roles in SUDs, since those findings may reveal new biology, new targets for intervention, or new conceptual frameworks for understanding addiction-related processes.

The activity category for this funding is listed under education and health, and it is associated with CFDA number 93.279. The funding instrument is an NIH research project grant (R01), which typically supports investigator-initiated, hypothesis-driven projects that require substantial research effort and can accommodate a wide range of experimental designs and model systems, as long as the focus remains on functional genetics, epigenetics, and/or non-coding RNA mechanisms relevant to SUDs. The source information provided does not specify an award ceiling or the number of expected awards.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of domestic organizations: state, county, and local governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled colleges and universities; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; Native American tribal organizations that are not federally recognized tribal governments; nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status (outside of higher education); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. The FOA also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicants such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI); Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs); faith-based or community-based organizations; eligible federal agencies; regional organizations; U.S. territories or possessions; and non-domestic entities (foreign organizations). This structure signals an intent to encourage participation from a diverse set of institutions and communities, including those that may serve populations disproportionately affected by substance use disorders.

Key administrative details from the posting include an original closing date of 2020-05-07 and a creation date of 2017-02-08. Overall, this opportunity is aimed at strengthening the bridge between association findings in human genetics/genomics and experimentally grounded, mechanistic understanding of how genetic variation, epigenetic regulation, and non-coding RNAs shape biological pathways involved in SUD vulnerability, progression, and related phenotypes.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Functional Genetics, Epigenetics, and Non-coding RNAs in Substance Use Disorders (R01)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.279.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2017-02-08.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2020-05-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

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