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The Cell
Biology [CB] IRG will review research applications that focus broadly on the
study of fundamental cell biological processes, including the functions,
interactions and regulation of cells and cellular organelles. This IRG will
review applications that involve a variety of disciplines including
biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry, and genetics, and use a variety of
techniques including microscopy, genomics, proteomics and computational
techniques, with the primary goal of better understanding cell functions. In
addition, the Biology and Diseases of the Posterior Eye [BDPE] study section
is in the CB IRG.
Topics to be covered
include cell growth, proliferation, and cell cycle control; nuclear
architecture and transport; RNA trafficking and localization;
post-translational modifications, protein processing, glycosylation and
folding; membrane structure and function; lipid traffic and metabolism; cell
asymmetry and polarity; ion transport and regulation, channels, transporters
and junctions; organelle biogenesis, function, dynamics and protein
translocation; the secretory pathway, endocytosis, exocytosis and
phagocytosis; degradative processes; cell adhesion, junctions and cell: cell
fusion; extracellular matrix and ECM receptors; signaling mechanisms and
networks; integrative cell physiology including circadian clocks, stress and
oxidative damage response; motors, filaments and cargoes; cell locomotion;
mitosis and meiosis; programmed cell death and apoptosis; multi-cellular interactions and development
including higher order complexity in tissues; cell differentiation and
oncogenic transformation; and the development of new methodologies including
advances in imaging and biosensors.
The following
study sections are included within the CB IRG:
Cellular
Signaling and Dynamics [CSD]
Nuclear Dynamics
and Transport [NDT]
Intercellular
Interactions [ICI]
Cell Structure
and Function [CSF]
Membrane Biology
and Protein Processing [MBPP]
Cell Biology and Development Fellowship Study Section [F05]
Cell Biology
Small Business Activities [SBIR/STTR] Special Emphasis Panel [CB Small Business SEP]
Biology and
Diseases of the Posterior Eye [BDPE]
Cellular
Signaling and Dynamics [CSD] Study Section
[CSD
Roster
]
The Cellular Signaling and Dynamics Study Section
will review applications that focus on the initiation and execution of
programs that control cellular homeostasis and physiology. A distinguishing
characteristic of these applications is an emphasis on signaling networks and
the coordination of processes that have cell-wide consequences.
Specific areas
include, but are not limited to CSD:
·
Integrative
cell physiology (e.g., stress, metabolism, clocks, cellular modeling)
·
Mitosis and
meiosis as related to cell cycle regulation
·
Cell
differentiation and transformation
·
Cell size and
mass, asymmetry and polarity
·
Control of
proliferation and senescence
·
Programmed cell death and apoptosis
especially in the context of stress, growth and transformation
·
Proteolytic
mechanisms associated with cell cycle, senescence and death
·
Computational
modeling of signal transduction
See IRG Shared Interests statements below.
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Nuclear
Dynamics and Transport [NDT] Study Section
[NDT
Roster]
The Nuclear Dynamics and Transport Study Section
will consider research applications concerning nuclear aspects of growth,
cell cycle control, and regulation of programmed cell death and apoptosis. Nuclear architecture, as
related to the assembly of the molecular machinery responsible for RNA
synthesis and processing, DNA replication, as well as trafficking into and
out of the nucleus will be considered. In addition, many signaling pathways
ultimately converge on the nucleus. Cytoskeletal structure and dynamics, the
movement of protein and RNA cargoes utilizing molecular motors, and organelle
biogenesis will also be covered. Nuclear function, structure, and motor
driven movement are also integral to mitosis and meiosis, as well as
programmed cell death and apoptosis.
Specific areas
include, but are not limited to NDT:
·
Proliferation
and growth control
·
Cell
cycle regulation, mitosis and checkpoints
·
Meiosis
·
Programmed cell death and apoptosis
·
Filaments,
motors and cargoes
·
Nuclear
architecture, nuclear envelope structure and transport
·
Signaling mechanisms and networks that target the
nucleus
·
Telomeres
See IRG Shared Interests statements below.
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Intercellular
Interactions Study Section [ICI]
[ICI
Roster]
The Intercellular Interactions Study Section has an
emphasis on how cells interact with both their environment and with
neighboring cells, and how this regulates processes associated with cell
growth, proliferation, differentiation and higher order complexity in tissues
and development. Interest is also focused on how extracellular signals
regulate the cytoskeleton and impact cell behavior.
Specific areas include,
but are not limited to ICI:
·
Synthesis,
assembly and remodeling of extracellular matrix and cell-cell adhesive
structures
·
Cell
surface adhesive structures in relation to the cytoskeleton, cell polarity
and cell proliferation, differentiation and survival
·
Regulation
of assembly and function of channels, transporters and gap junctions
·
The
flow of extracellular signals between distinct cells types, cell populations
and ECM
·
Cell
migration, cell-cell fusion, cell organization and morphogenesis as related
to tissue organization and development
·
Crosstalk
between adhesion receptors and other signaling pathways and regulated
proteolysis at the cell surface
See IRG Shared Interests statements below.
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Cell
Structure and Function Study Section [CSF]
[CSF
Roster]
The Cell Structure and Function Study Section
will focus on the molecular structure and function of cells, with emphasis on
applications concerned with membrane structure and function, membrane
traffic, organelle biogenesis, extracellular matrix (ECM), cell motility and
the cytoskeleton, and their related signaling pathways.
Specific areas include,
but not limited to CSF:
·
Organelle
biogenesis (For example mitochondria, chloroplasts, peroxisomes and
lysosomes/vacuoles), including organelle proliferation, segregation, and
dynamics
·
Targeting,
translocation, and processing, including glycosylation, of newly synthesized
proteins at membrane compartments
·
Cell
motility, cytoskeletal dynamics, including their role in morphogenesis
·
ECM
interactions with the cytoskeleton, and assembly of receptors into junctions
and adhesions
·
Mechanical
properties of cells and the ECM
·
Signaling
mechanisms related to membrane traffic, cell motility, and cell
adhesion.
See IRG Shared Interests statements below.
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Membrane
Biology and Protein Processing Study Section
[MBPP]
[MBPP
Roster]
The Membrane Biology and Protein Processing
Study Section will focus on cellular membranes and protein maturation and
degradation. Specific topics include membrane biogenesis; post-translational
modification and protein folding; membrane biology including membrane
structure and function; vesicular membrane traffic; transport of small
molecules across membranes; cell stress response; metabolic pathways
including lipid metabolism; degradative processes and proteolytic mechanisms
of programmed cell death and apoptosis. Signaling mechanisms regulating these processes would also be
appropriate.
Specific areas include,
but not limited to MBPP:
·
Regulation,
functions and mechanisms of protein maturation, including folding, chaperone
action, post-translational modification, and proteolytic processing
·
Membrane
traffic in the endocytic and exocytic pathways; mechanisms of protein quality
control and sorting; and mechanisms of vesicle formation, targeting and
fusion
·
Organization
of proteins and lipids in cell membranes; metabolism and trafficking of
lipids; interactions between proteins and lipids; regulation of signaling by
lipid domains
·
Cellular
physiology and molecular mechanisms of regulation of ion and small molecule
transport across membranes via channels, transporters or gap junctions
·
Integrative
cell physiology (e.g., stress, metabolism, clocks, cellular modeling)
·
Degradation
of proteins by the ubiquitin/proteasome and lysosomes; limited proteolysis by
caspases and calpains; and degradation of extracellular matrix and other
macromolecules
·
Mechanisms
of necrosis and apoptosis, with an emphasis on regulation of caspases,
proteolytic pathways responsible for elimination of dead cells, and
mitochondrial proteolytic pathways
See IRG Shared
Interests statements below.
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The CB Study Sections have the following shared interests within the
IRG:
The five study
sections were purposely designed with significant overlap, and they
distinguish themselves in terms of their overall focus. Overlap of specific
key areas is summarized here.
·
Cell Growth
and Proliferation are areas covered by Cellular
Signaling and Dynamics, Nuclear Dynamics and Transport, and Intercellular
Interactions; Programmed cell death and apoptosis is shared by Cellular
Signaling and Dynamics, Nuclear Dynamics and
Transport, and Membrane Biology and Protein
Processing. Cellular Signaling and Dynamics
will review applications that emphasize signaling networks and the
coordination of processes with cell-wide consequences, while Nuclear Dynamics and Transport will cover aspects
of growth and proliferation, and programmed cell death and apoptosis related specifically to nuclear
architecture and function. This might include, for example, molecular motors
controlling chromosome dynamics in mitosis and meiosis, reassembly of the
nucleus and other structures after cell division. Intercellular
Interactions will cover aspects of growth and proliferation related
specifically to alterations in the extracellular environment; Membrane Biology and Protein Processing will cover
aspects of integrative cell physiology, and aspects of programmed cell death and apoptosis related
specifically to intracellular architecture and cell death-associated
proteolytic events.
·
All
the CB Study Sections include aspects of Signaling Mechanisms and Networks
but their foci are somewhat distinct. Cellular
Signaling and Dynamics will focus on the coordination of global
signaling programs; Nuclear Dynamics and Transport
will address signaling from the cytoplasm to the nucleus including pathways
that regulate transcriptional control; Intercellular
Interactions will cover signaling from the extracellular environment;
Cell Structure and Function and Membrane Biology
and Protein Processing will cover receptor biogenesis, receptor ligand
interactions, down-regulation, and signaling mechanisms related to membrane
traffic and cell motility. Thus, it is expected that growth factor signaling
might be reviewed by Cellular Signaling and
Dynamics, Intercellular Interactions,
Cell Structure and Function or Membrane Biology and
Protein Processing; small GTPases such as Ras, Rac and Rho could be reviewed in any of the panels
depending on the context of the application. Adhesion signaling would be most
likely reviewed in Intercellular Interactions
but could be handled by Cell Structure and Function; lipid signaling might be
reviewed in Membrane Biology and Protein Processing
or Cellular Signaling and Dynamics. Where
G-protein coupled receptors interact with ion channels, Cell Structure
and Function and Membrane Biology and Protein
Processing could review the application. Networks of signaling
reactions such as kinase cascades might be reviewed by Cellular Signaling and Dynamics or possibly Nuclear Dynamics and Transport, depending on the
breadth of the experiments proposed. Radiation damage induced
checkpoint research would be the purview of Cellular
Signaling and Dynamics.
·
Nuclear Dynamics and Transport and Cell Structure and Function share interest in Motors, Filaments
and Cargo. However, Nuclear Dynamics and Transport
will focus on cytoskeletal components involved in mitotic and meiotic
divisions, and will address protein and RNA cargoes for molecular motors, and
filamentous proteins with nuclear counterparts. Cell Structure and Function
will cover the role of motors and filaments in the process of cell motility
and the motor-based transport of vesicle cargoes; Cell Structure and Function
will also provide a second venue for reviewing applications on
nucleocytoplasmic transport.
·
Intercellular Interactions shares with Cell Structure and Function the area of Extracellular
Matrix and ECM Receptors. Intercellular
Interactions will focus on regulation of adhesive structures by
changes in the extracellular environment and receptor signaling and how this
impacts cell behavior, while Cell Structure and Function will focus on the
extracellular matrix and ECM receptors with regard to their interactions with
the cytoskeleton.
·
Cell Polarity
is covered by the Cellular Signaling and Dynamics
and the Intercellular Interactions study sections,
while Intercellular Interactions will focus
on cell polarity related to regulation by cell-matrix and cell-cell
junctions.
·
Membrane
Structure will be covered by Membrane Biology and
Protein Processing and Cell Structure and Function; Organelle
biogenesis, function, dynamics and protein processing will be primarily
reviewed by Cell Structure and Function but may also relate to the
applications discussed by Nuclear Dynamics and
Transport or Membrane Biology and Protein
Processing. This topic includes the generation of membrane bound
compartments and organelles such as mitochondria, peroxisomes, and ribosomes.
Protein translocation into organelles is included in this category, as are
the dynamics of organelles inside cells and their partitioning to daughter
cells during mitosis. Membrane traffic including the secretory pathway,
endocytosis, exocytosis and phagocytosis will be reviewed in Membrane Biology and Protein Processing with
overlap into Cell Structure and Function. While Cell Structure and Function
will emphasize the relationship between membranes and the cytoskeleton and
motors, Membrane Biology and Protein Processing
will have a broader focus on membrane cell biology. Post-translational
modifications including ubiquitination, sumolation (reaction with small
ubiquitin-like modifier), glycosylation etc. will be shared by Membrane Biology and Protein Processing and Cellular Signaling and Dynamics, with Membrane Biology and Protein Processing handling
aspects related to specific processes and Cellular
Signaling and Dynamics reviewing applications with a more cell-wide
focus.
·
Intercellular Interactions will focus on the regulation of Ion Transporters, Channels and Junctions;
Cell Structure and Function will focus on the biogenesis, membrane insertion
and assembly of ion channels, transporters and junctions, whereas study
section Membrane Biology and Protein Processing
will focus ion channel and transporter function in and trafficking to
organelles.
·
Biology
and Diseases of the Posterior Eye has no shared interests within the CB IRG.
The CB study sections
have the following shared interests outside the IRG:
·
With the Biological Chemistry and
Macromolecular Biophysics [BCMB] IRG: Membrane structure and function is an area of shared interest.
Applications that focus on the structure of membrane proteins and channels
using biophysical approaches may be assigned to BCMB. Applications that focus
on cellular functions such as transport and localization may be assigned to
CB, particularly Cell Structure and Function or Membrane
Biology and Protein Processing.
·
With the Genes, Genomes, and Genetics [GGG] IRG: Shared interests include chromosome duplication and
dynamics, nucleocytoplasmic trafficking, analysis of gene function, and
signal transduction pathways. If the focus is on molecular genetic mechanisms
and/or regulation of DNA metabolism or gene expression, assignment may be to
GGG. If the focus is on mitotic processes or on cytoskeletal or nuclear
envelope assembly and dynamics, assignment may be to CB, particularly Cell
Structure and Function. Studies on
nuclear transport, cell cycle control, apoptosis, and signaling pathways
should be assigned on the basis of the central question addressed by the
application.
·
With the Biology of Development and
Aging [BDA] IRG: Studies of development and aging at the cellular level are
areas of shared interest. Cell biological studies may be assigned to BDA when
they emphasize a developmental or aging question. If the focus is cell
biological, then assignment to CB may be appropriate.
·
With the Bioengineering
Sciences and Technologies [BST] IRG: Shared interests include
studies of gene and cell
delivery, cell imaging, management and analysis of cell biological data,
computational or database tools for analysis of cell physiological processes
or signal transduction, cell separations, and cell interfaces with
biomaterials. If the focus is development of new technology, assignment to
BST may be appropriate. If the focus is a basic cell process or principle or
the application of an emerging technique to a cell biological problem,
assignment to CB may be appropriate.
·
With the Immunology [IMM]; Infectious
Diseases and Microbiology [IDM]; AIDS and Related Research [AARR]; Oncological Sciences [ONC]; Hematology [HEME];
Cardiovascular Sciences [CVS]; Endocrinology, Metabolism, Nutrition, and
Reproductive Sciences [EMNR]; Musculoskeletal, Oral, and Skin Sciences [MOSS];
Digestive Sciences [DIG]; Respiratory Sciences [RES], and the Renal and
Urological Sciences [RUS] IRGs: Studies of cellular processes in the
context of a specific organ or disease are areas of shared interests. If the
focus is on the organ or disease, then assignment to an organ or disease IRG
may be appropriate. If the focus is on a basic cell process, on an emerging
cell biologic approach, or on a multi-organ disease, then assignment to CB
may be appropriate.
·
With the Molecular, Cellular, and
Developmental Neuroscience [MDCN]; Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive
Neuroscience [IFCN]; and the Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience [BDCN]
IRGs: Cellular studies of the nervous system are a shared interest.
If the focus is neuroscience, then assignment to a neuroscience IRG may be
appropriate. If the focus is a basic
cell process or on an emerging cell biologic approach, then assignment to CB
may be appropriate.
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Cell Biology Small Business [SBIR/STTR] Activities
Special Emphasis Panel [CB 10]
CB 10 reviews grant applications from the small
business community that involve application of innovative technology for
analysis of cellular processes, including cell imaging and flow cytometry.
Often applications will contain complementary software development. Grant applications
involving innovative cell biological techniques such as cell preservation,
biosensors, and tissue engineering are represented. R01 and R21 applications
that are technology intensive are also assigned to CB 10.
The CB Small Business SEP
has the following shared interests outside the CB IRG:
·
With the Biological Chemistry and Macromolecular
Biophysics [BCMB] IRG regarding
microscopic instrumentation, methodologies, or modeling for determining
structure/function relationships for biological macromolecules. If the
question is biochemical or biophysical, assignment to BCMB may be
appropriate. If the question is cell biological, assignment to CB may be
appropriate.
·
With the Bioengineering Sciences and Technologies [BST]
IRG if the focus is development
of new technology, assignment to BST may be appropriate. If the focus is on a basic cell process,
then assignment to CB may be appropriate
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Biology
and Diseases of the Posterior Eye [BDPE]
[BDPE
Roster]
The Biology and Diseases of the Posterior
Eye [BDPE] Study Section reviews applications for basic,
applied, and clinical research on the posterior portion of the eye, i.e.,
that are focused on the structure, function, and disorders of the retina,
retinal pigmented epithelium, choroid, and retinal vasculature. It also
addresses related disorders such as degenerative and vascular diseases and
retinal involvement in diabetes.
Specific areas
covered by BDPE:
·
Basic research
focused on the retina, retinal pigmented epithelium, choroid, and retinal
vasculature; anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, biophysics, pharmacology,
development, genetics, cell and molecular biology
·
Phototransduction
processes in rods and cones
·
Neural interconnections
in the retina and cellular electrophysiology
·
Clinical
investigations and fundamental research on the etiology, prevention,
diagnosis, and treatment of retinal and choroidal diseases, including
degeneration, diabetes, and vascular diseases
·
Instrumentation and applications of computer
technology to the retina
BDPE has the following shared
interests outside the CB IRG:
·
With the Biological Chemistry and Macromolecular
Biophysics [BCMB] IRG: BDPE has
shared interests with BCMB regarding applications that focus on the
biophysical and physical chemistry of transduction-related proteins, e.g.
opsins, transducins, and phosphodiesterase; BCMB may be more appropriate if the focus is either on properties of
proteins in general or on emerging biophysical or chemical approaches. BDPE may
be more appropriate if the focus is on retina-specific mechanisms or
outcomes.
·
With the Genes, Genomes and Genetics [GGG] IRG: BDPE has shared interests with GGG regarding applications dealing with genetic components
of retinal diseases, e.g. gene structure and function, mapping, linkage, or
population-based research. GGG may be more appropriate if the focus is on
either genetics in general or emerging genetic approaches. BDPE may be more appropriate if the focus is
on retina-specific mechanisms or outcomes.
·
With the Biology of Development and Aging [BDA] IRG: BDPE has shared interests with BDA regarding
applications that focus on the development of the posterior eye. BDA may be
more appropriate if the focus is development or aging in general. BDPE is
more appropriate if the focus is on retina-specific mechanisms or outcomes.
·
With the Integrative, Functional and Cognitive
Neuroscience [IFCN] IRG and its
Central Visual Processing [CVP] Study
Section: If the
question involves neurophysiological and
psychophysical research applications involving the retina, extraocular
muscles, optic nerve, and the visual cortex, CVP may be more appropriate. If
the focus is cell biological or eye-specific, assignment to BDPE may be appropriate.
·
With the Molecular, Cellular and Developmental
Neuroscience [MDCN] IRG
regarding (1) trafficking, cytoskeletal
interactions, and cell surface or extracellular
matrix molecules, (2) neurodegeneration, oxidative
and energy metabolism, and excitotoxicity, (3)
molecular, structural, and biophysical studies of signal transduction, (4)
molecular transporters, ion pumps, and cellular electrophysiology, especially
involving calcium, (5) neurochemical and
pharmacological aspects of signal transduction, (6) regulation of cell cycle,
cell specification and patterning, cell differentiation, and the initiation
and regulation of rhythmicity, and (7) the
development, aging, and regeneration of neural connections. If the focus is
molecular neuroscience, assignment to MDCN may be appropriate. If the focus
is cell biological or eye-specific, assignment to BDPE may be appropriate.
·
With the Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience
[BDCN] IRG and its Anterior Eye Disease [AED] Study Section: If the focus is primarily on the anterior chamber of
the eye, including inflammation, immunology, and infectious diseases may be
the appropriate study section., particularly those dealing with uveitis, even if retinal cells are involved. AED also has primary responsibility for studies
of glaucoma. If the focus is cell biological or eye-specific, assignment to
BDPE may be appropriate.
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