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Pilot & Feasibility Studies in Basic Urologic Research
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March 30, 2010, Volume 56, No. 27

The NIDDK-sponsored George M. O’Brien Urology Research Center in the Division of Urology, Department of Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania has funding for 2-3 P&F Studies. The O’Brien Center is an inter-institutional, multidisciplinary program that focuses its research on the molecular mechanisms underlying the Lower Urinary Tract Syndromes (LUTS). The projects focus on basic and translational research on smooth muscle, urothelium, extracellular matrix and the peripheral and central nervous system that regulates the lower urinary tract function and dysfunctions in diseases that affect the lower urinary tract. The P&F grants are open to investigators from Penn and other institutions in the Philadelphia area. For ongoing projects, please visit our website www.uphs.upenn.edu/surgery/Labs/Chacko/George_OBrien.html.

Grants are available for investigators interested in directing their research to various aspects of urinary bladder function and dysfunction. The scope of these P&F Studies are broadly defined, including proposals that address a wide range of topics in cellular/molecular biology of the epithelium in the lower urinary tract, smooth muscle development and physiology, urology and the pathogenesis of urologic diseases. 

Applications accepted:

1. Basic Science P&F Studies—Areas of interest include but are not limited to gene therapy, cell physiology, stem cell biology, smooth muscle differentiation, ion transport and inflammation.

2. Translational P&F Studies—Projects that seek to apply basic knowledge to a clinical problem, acquire basic knowledge from clinical specimens, or examine the feasibility of a therapeutic approach in an appropriate animal model or with appropriate clinical specimens. 

Funding support is intended for senior investigators seeking to perform research in an area that they have not previously pursued or junior investigators who are establishing their independent research careers. Investigators are encouraged to spend a minimum of 10% effort to study the lower urinary tract. The P&F Studies are expected to generate sufficient background and preliminary data to submit an independent research grant.

Awards for $30-55K/year will be granted based on scientific merit, awarded for one year and eligible for one year renewal based on competitive review. The initial award period is July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011. The final grant proposal should have no more than five pages (to include all figures and references). The application should be approved by the applicant’s department chair.  A letter of intent including biosketch in the NIH-format, other support, and letters of collaboration (if appropriate), a title, and a one-page summary of the proposed research should be sent to Jocelyn McCabe, Jocelyn.McCabe@uphs.upenn.edu.

Letter of intent deadline is Monday, April 12, 2010. Application deadline is Friday, April 30, 2010; possible funding start date is July 1, 2010. All application materials will need to be submitted electronically. Specific instructions will be issued upon receipt of letter of intent. Please direct all questions to: Dr. Samuel K. Chacko, professor of pathology & director of basic urologic research, Glenolden Research Laboratory, 500 South Ridgeway Avenue, Glenolden, PA 19036-2307; E-mail: Samuel.Chacko@uphs.upenn.edu.

Almanac - March 30, 2010, Volume 56, No. 27