KOSEN 한인과학기술자네트워크

Biology of Aging Primary Sponsor: Department of Health and Human Services Deadline: 4/1/2001; 8/1/2001; 12/1/2001 KEYWORDS Research on the physiology, molecular, and cellular basis of aging processes. NIA also has responsibility for maintaining existing resources and developing new resources for aging research, such as populations of well-characterized animals and specific cell lines, for example, human fetal lung fibroblasts. The Biology of Aging Program includes the following eight programmatic areas: Animal Models. The objective of the Animal Models Program is to identify and develop new animal models, both mammalian and lower organism, for use in aging research. This includes research on rats, mice, rabbits, non-human primates, insects, nematodes and yeast. Mutant and genetically-engineered rodent models of both normal aging and specific age-related pathologies are of particular interest. Dr. Nancy Nadon (301) 496-0181, Fax: (301) 402-0010 Email: nn37a@nih.gov A. Systems Branch Cardiovascular Biology. The objectives of the Cardiovascular Biology Program are to support basic reserch on age related changes in cardiovascular function, e.g. gene expression, and factors affecting cell death in heart tissue. Dr. David Finkelstein (301) 496-6402, Fax: (301) 402-0010 Email: df18s@nih.gov. Endocrinology. The purpose of the endocrinology of aging program is to support basic molecular and cellular research into the causes and effects of age-related changes in the endocrine system of humans and various animal models. Areas of investigation in this program include age-related changes in hormone production, metabolism, and action, diabetes, reproductive aging – male and female, biology of menopause, animal models of menopause, endocrine connections to menopause-related pathology in non endocrine systems, age-related changes in endocrine control of prostate growth, and endocrine aspects of age-dependent tumors. Dr. Frank Bellino (301) 496-6402, Fax: (301) 402-0010 Email: fb12a@nih.gov Immunology. Changes in the immune system of older people may contribute to the increased incidence of infection and cancer in the elderly. Research directed towards understanding the age-related regulation of immune function in health and disease is supported by BAP. Areas of investigation in this program include regulation of lymphocyte proliferation, regulation of immune specificity, response of immune system to biochemical stimuli, autoimmune disease and other immunopathology, endocrine and neuroendocrine control of immune function, molecular basis of the age-related decline in immune function, and interventions to retard and/or correct age-related decline in immune function. Rebecca Fuldner (301) 496-6402, Fax: (301) 402-0010 Email: fuldnerr@mail.nih.gov. Musculosketal Biology. The age-related change of function of various physiologic systems often negatively impacts the health of the elderly. The purpose of this program is to support high quality basic molecular and cellular research to understand the causes and effects of these changes, thereby encouraging the development of preventative and interventional strategies to extend the health span of the elderly. Areas of investigation in this program include age-related changes in osteoblast and osteoclast function and bone matrix, age-related changes in muscle structure and function, age-related changes in cartilage, connective tissue and skin, molecular mechanisms of the above age-related changes, and the molecular basis of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Jill Carrington (301) 496-6402, Fax: (301) 402-0010 Email: jc189n@nih.gov. B. Genetics and Cell Biology Branch Cell Structure and Function. The objectives of the Cell Structure and Function Program are to support research on the molecular basis of age-related changes in signal transduction mechanisms, microenvironment – ECM, cell senescence/apoptosis/cancer, telomeres, and membranes and membrane receptors. Genetics. The objectives of the Genetics Program are to support research on identification and characterization of longevity assurance genes (LAGs) and senescence assurance genes (SAGs, genome stability, genomics, mouse mutagenesis; single nucleotide polymorphisms/genetic epidemiology, and Werner's syndrome. Dr. Anna McCormick (301) 496-6402, Fax: (301) 402-0010 Email: am38k@nih.gov. Metaboloic Regulation. Areas of investigation in the Metabolic Regulation Program include nutrition/metabolism, age-related changes in mitochondrial function/mitochondrial dysfunction, mechanism of life span extension by caloric restriction, and generation of free radicals and oxidative stress. Dr. David Finkelstein (301) 496-6402, Fax: (301) 402-0010 Email: df18s@nih.gov Areas that may be of interest to small businesses include, but are not limited to: A. Effects of nutrition on the aging process, for example, the role of nutrition in determining longevity. Dr. Pamela Starke-Reed (301) 496-6402, Fax: (301) 402-0010 Email: ps39p@nih.gov. B. Minimally-perturbing techniques for collecting blood from mice, rats, and other animals several times a day in sufficient quantities for measurement of hormone levels and other circulating factors in young and old animals. C. Instruments and/or methodology to monitor dynamic progression of ovarian follicles from primordial through antral stages in humans and other mammals with sufficient sensitivity to obtain an accurate profile during the perimenopausal period when relatively small numbers of follicles are present. D. Development of appropriate animal and human culture model systems to explore underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of prostate growth in middle-aged and older subjects. E. Development of appropriate animal model systems to explore underlying molecular and cellular model systems of female reproductive aging processes as well as the development of pathophysiologic processes associated with the human menopause, including bone loss, cardiovascular pathology, hot flashes, and excessive uterine bleeding. Dr. Frank Bellino (301) 496-6402, Fax: (301) 402-0010 Email: fb12a@nih.gov F. Development of molecular probes such as antibodies, DNA sequences and expression vectors useful in studying aging, senescence, and longevity both in vivo and in vitro. G. Mechanisms that control cellular proliferation and differentiation as well as differentiated cell models for aging research. H. Mammalian genetic models to identify the genetic aspects of aging including studies intended to improve the nutrition and husbandry of such models and the development of recombinant inbred strains. Dr. Anna McCormick (301) 496-6402, Fax: (301) 402-0010 Email: am38k@nih.gov I. The development of antioxidant interventions to prevent oxidative damage in biological systems. J. Development of interventions to slow down the degenerative processes associated with aging. These would include techniques with commercial potential to: (1) manipulate the control of cell proliferation or programmed cell death, (2) reduce the level of damage to nucleic acids, proteins and lipids and the macromolecular complexes formed from these molecules, (3) improve the damage surveillance and repair potential of cells, (4) improve the immune response to foreign molecules or reduce the response to self, and (5) reverse age-related changes in hormone production and function. Dr. Huber Warner (301) 496-6402, Fax: (301) 402-0010 Email: hw7a@nih.gov K. Development of animal models and transgenic animals for studying aging processes. L. Development of new biological model systems for research on aging to replace or reduce vertebrate animal use in research. These models may include better in vitro systems, improved cell culture methods, mathematical models, and computer simulations. M. Development of non-invasive research and test methods. N. Development of biomarkers of aging in mammalian models of human aging Dr. Nancy Nadon (301) 496-0181, Fax: (301) 402-0010 Email: nn37a@nih.gov O. Development of treatments for wound healing in the aged. Dr. David Finkelstein (301) 496-6402, Fax: (301) 402-0010 Email: df18s@nih.gov A. Individual Behavioral Process Branch. Supports research and training on biopsychosocial processes linking health and behavior, cognitive functioning, human factors, and integrative approaches to the study of social, psychological, and physiological influences on health and well-being over the life course. Personality and social/interpersonal relationships are investigated as causal variables, and as mediators or moderators of the relationships between social/structural characteristics and health outcomes. Behavioral Medicine and Interventions. Major research topics include: (1) disease recognition, coping and management, including physiological consequences of life stresses and burdens; and (2) social, behavioral and environmental interventions for health promotion, disease prevention, and disability postponement. Dr. Marcia Ory (301) 402-4156, Fax: (301) 402-0051 Email: mo12x@nih.gov Cognitive Aging. Supports research on changes in cognitive functioning over the life course. Studies are encouraged that: (1) examine the influence of contexts (behavioral, social, cultural, and technological) on the cognitive functioning and life performance of aging persons; (2) investigate the effects of age-related changes in cognition on activities of daily living, social relationships, and health status, and (3) develop strategies for improving everyday functioning through cognitive interventions. Major research topics include: higher-order cognitive processes (e.g.,problem-solving, decision-making), social cognition, memory strategies, perceptual skills, and reading and speech comprehension. Research is also welcomed that explores the role of individual difference factors in cognitive functioning (e.g., motivation, self-efficacy, beliefs about aging, emotions, sensory limitations, experience and expertise). Psychological Development and Integrative Science. Promotes research that applies an integrative approach to the study of health, behavior, stress and coping, and well-being over the life course. Studies are encouraged that combine diverse levels of analysis and examine reciprocal interactions among these levels. Examples include the effects of sociocultural, psychological (social, personality), biological, and genetic processes on behavioral and functional aging. In addition, research exploring factors at a single level that influence aging are welcomed. Dr. Daniel Berch 301.594.5942, Fax: (301) 402-0051 Email: berchd@nia.nih.gov B. Population and Social Sciences Branch. Supports research and training on the antecedents and impact of changing social, demographic, economic, and health characteristics of the older population. Research on the consequences of particular health care organizations and settings, and studies of the effects of other social institutions upon the health, well-being, and functioning of people in the middle and later years are supported. Comparative research is often appropriate, and interconnections with individual behavioral processes are encouraged. Demography and Epidemiology. Embraces such topics as medical and bio-demography; changes in the age-structure of populations, as well as studies on the prevalence and incidence of disease and disability, and age trajectories of health; life expectancy and active life expectancy; forecasting functioning, disability, morbidity, and mortality; migration and geographic concentrations of older people; rural-urban comparisons; distributions of health services and the long-term care system; race, ethnic, and socioeconomic variations; genetic epidemiology and population genetics. Dr. Rose Maria Li 301.496.3138 Email: lir@nia.nih.gov Dr.Jennifer Harris 301.496.3138 Email: harrisje@nia.nih.gov Ms. Angie Chon-Lee 301.594.5943 Email: chon-lea@nia.nih.gov Health and Retirement Economics. Concentrates on the economics of aging, including but not limited to economic and health antecedents and consequences of work and retirement; pensions and savings; health insurance and health care expenditures; Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security; interrelationships between health and economic status, including issues related to wealth, poverty, productivity, human capital development, and economic development; the economic costs of disability; cost-effectiveness of interventions; taxation policies on older people; cross-national comparisons. Dr. Rose Maria Li 301.496.3138 Email: lir@nia.nih.gov Health and Social Institutions. Encourages research on the impact of a wide range of formal health care and related services, with particular emphasis on long-term care systems and settings and on the health and well-being of older persons. It also examines hoe social institutions (e.g., work, family, religion, community, living arrangements influence health outcomes in the later years and the ways in which people influence and are influenced by the network of cultural and social institutions surrounding them. Dr. Sidney M. Stahl (301) 402-4156, Fax: (301) 402-0051 Email: ss333h@nih.gov Areas that may be of interest to small businesses include, but are not limited to: A. Cognitive and human factors interventions on the individual and environment to maintain independence, maintain functioning, increase well being, and prevent disease/disability. Such interventions can include behavioral technologies, environmental modifications and redesign, training and teaching efforts, or new programs, products and services. Interventions can be developed for home, community, health-care or work-place settings. Dr. Jared Jobe (301) 496-3137, Fax: (301) 402-0051 Email: jj89v@nih.gov B. Social, behavioral, environmental and/or technical interventions on the individual for health maintenance and disease/disability prevention. Such interventions can include self care assessments and behavioral change technologies, enhancing older patient-doctor interactions, environmental modifications and redesign, training efforts, or new programs, products and services to increase the health, functioning and well-being of older people. Interventions can be developed for home, community, health-care or work place settings. C. AIDS and aging. Development of intervention strategies to prevent the spread of AIDS in middle-aged and older populations. Health education programs to inform the health care providers and public about risks of AIDS in older people. Dr. Marcia Ory (301) 402-4156, Fax: (301) 402-0051 Email: mo12x@nih.gov D. Interventions on the health-care system. Development and evaluation of strategies to improve health-care organization and delivery including attention to evolving structures for delivering care such as managed care, assisted living, subacute units in hospitals and nursing homes, and new forms of in-home care. E. Interventions for care provision. Development of strategies for care providers (both professionals and families) to deal with burdens of care associated with chronic disabling illness or disease (including Alzheimer's disease). Interventions include new forms of adult day care, special care units and family interventions. Development of work site programs to supply information on caregiving (including community respite and daycare facilities) and to enable advance planning by employees. F. Elder abuse. Programs and interventions to prevent or reduce elder abuse and neglect in family or community settings and to reduce the susceptibility of older people to crimes, exploitation and victimization. G. Death and dying. Programs that deal with decreasing the trauma and difficulty of elders, their families, and care providers in end-of-life decisions and those events that surround the end of life. Dr. Sidney M. Stahl (301) 402-4156, Fax: (301) 402-0051 Email: mailto:Sidney_Stahl@nih.gov ss333h@nih.gov H. Forecasting. Development of mathematical, economic, demographic and epidemiological models that will lead to improved forecasting of national, state and county level estimates of demand for aging-related services and improved prediction of the effects of public health interventions, changes in health-care financing and insurance, social security, pension coverage or changes in the retirement age. For example, micro- and macro-simulation models of changes in health and economic status and methodological enhancements to existing models that take into account health, intergenerational transfers, changes in family composition, and other characteristics of future cohorts. I. Measurement instruments and database support. 1. Development of new instruments using existing demographic and economic data and theory that yield defensible estimates of quality of health plans, hospitals, nursing homes, etc. 2. Development of improved performance-oriented measures of cognitive and physical functioning suitable for use in field settings or in cross-national research. 3. Development of computer-assisted personal and telephone instrument modules, including expert systems, to use with older respondents, in order to determine occupational status, migration, housing issues, disability status, and family structure. 4. Development of new databases (e.g., from administrative data) and database support to satisfy data and research needs on aging, and innovative data archives and methods for accessing archives to make current statistical and epidemiological data more accessible to researchers. 5. Development of innovative methods and software to provide improved high performance remote analytic access to complex longitudinal studies or surveys that cannot be placed in open data archives because of issues relating to confidentiality and the need to prevent re-identification of subjects or respondents. Such software would increase the ease with which data analysts could perform sophisticated analyses with a wide range of statistical software programs, while automatically preventing any analyses or remote requests that could compromise data security. J.Dissemination and teaching materials. Development of innovative teaching and dissemination tools (e.g., dataset-based computer programs, simulations/games, videotapes and other heuristic devices) to teach dynamics of population aging and convey results of aging research. For example, teaching modules for secondary students using US Census Bureau historical and projection data. Ms. Georgeanne Patmios (301) 496-3138, Fax: (301) 402-0051 Email: gp29p@nih.gov Other Research Topic(s) Within Mission of Institute For additional information on research topics, contact: For additional information on research topics, contact: Dr. Miriam F. Kelty National Institute on Aging Gateway Building, Suite 2C218 7201 Wisconsin Ave., MSC 9205 Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 (301) 496-9322; Fax: (301) 402-2945 Email: mk46u@nih.gov For administrative and business management questions, contact: Ms. S. Linda Whipp Grants Management Officer National Institute on Aging Gateway Building, Room 2N212 7201 Wisconsin Ave., MSC 9205 Bethesda, MD 20892 (301) 496-1472; Fax: (301) 402-3672 Email: lw17m@nih.gov NOTE: The Solicitations listed on this site are partial copies from the various SBIR agency solicitations and are not necessarily the latest and most up-to-date. For this reason, you should always use the suggested links on our reference pages. These will take you directly to the appropriate agency information where you can read the official version of the solicitation you are interested in. The official link for this page is: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/sbir.htm. Solicitation closing dates are: April 1, August 1, and December 1, 2001.