The NIDDK is interested in supporting meritorious research on human embryonic stem cell (HESC) lines through investigator-initiated research project grant applications as well as Small Business Innovation Research applications. All HESC research supported by NIDDK must be in accordance with current NIH guidelines(http://stemcells.nih.gov/index.asp). NIDDK-supported investigators proposing HESC research should consider the following steps:
- Review current NIH guidelines on human stem cell research (http://stemcells.nih.gov/index.asp). This site links to recent policies and "Frequency Asked Questions and Relevant Information for Researchers.
- Identify currently approved cell line(s) and sources on the NIH Registry (http://grants.nih.gov/stem_cells/registry/current.htm).
- Providers of HESC lines may request a brief abstract of proposed research. The providers' material transfer requirements will vary and some providers will be interested in establishing collaborative research projects.
- Contact your institution's technology transfer office regarding the material transfer agreement (MTA) or memorandum of understanding (MOU) including intellectual property issues and the mechanism of payment.
- HESCs are difficult to culture. Specific training or prior HESC culture techniques will probably be required either from the cell line provider or another laboratory with experience.
- If the source of a cell line is international, additional permits from the USDA and CDC are required and the link to this information is listed below.
In addition to supporting HESC research through investigator-initiated research the NIDDK has announced a number of Program Announcements with research objectives that could encompass the use of HESCs. The following initiatives are currently accepting applications:
Small Business Innovation Research to Develop New Therapeutics and Monitoring Technologies for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). Towards an Artificial Pancreas [(SBIR) (R43/R44)]
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DK-10-008.html
Collaborative Interdisciplinary Team Science in Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases (R24)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-182.html
Erythropoiesis: Components and Mechanisms (R01)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-09-255.html
The following staff can provide information about NIDDK-supported research in this area:
Dr. Daniel G. Wright
Senior Scientific Advisor and Program Director for Hematology Research
Division of Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases/NIH
Democracy II, Room 621
6707 Democracy Blvd. Bethesda, MD 20892
Phone: (301) 594-7714
FAX: (301) 480-3510
Email: dw341u@nih.gov
Dr. Jill Carrington
Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases/NIH
6707 Democracy Boulevard, Room 671,
Bethesda, MD 20892-5450
(For FedEx and UPS, use Bethesda, MD 20817)
Phone: 301-451-8875
Fax: 301-480-8300
Email: karpr@extra.niddk.nih.gov
Dr. Sheryl Sato
Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases/NIH
6707 Democracy Plaza, Room 6105
Bethesda, MD 20892-5460
(For FedEx and UPS, use Bethesda, MD 20817)
Phone: (301) 594-8811
Fax: (301) 480-3503
Email: satos@extra.niddk.nih.gov
