Referral & Review

The Endocrinology, Metabolism, Nutrition and Reproductive Sciences [EMNR] IRG reviews applications addressing molecular, cellular, and higher order hormone-regulated processes in physiology and pathophysiology.  EMNR will evaluate applications on basic and clinical aspects of hypothalamic, pituitary, gonadal, thyroid, and adrenal physiology and pathophysiology, diabetes mellitus (including its pathogenesis, complications and treatment), the biology of the pancreatic islet (beta cell), adipocyte biology, obesity (including its causes and treatment), and other metabolic disorders including inborn errors of metabolism and nutrient transport disorders.  Also reviewed in this IRG are applications addressing the biology of reproduction and the pathobiology of its disorders (including the causes and treatments of infertility); male and female reproductive aging and menopause; obstetrical disorders of implantation, gestation, embryogenesis, and parturition; disorders of fetal and neonatal life; and gynecologic conditions are reviewed in this IRG.  Studies of the role of nutrition under normal and pathological conditions are also reviewed in this IRG.

This IRG also reviews applications involving integrative physiology and pathophysiology such as neuroendocrinology; humoral actions on the gut, lung and heart; cancers of the endocrine glands; as well as studies related to the effects and mechanisms of action of drugs, biopharmaceuticals, alcohol and toxicants, xenobiotics and endobiotics on reproduction or on endocrine glands.  Applications reviewed in this IRG may propose a broad range of basic or clinical research methods and techniques, including pharmacologic, chemical and biochemical approaches, genetics, genomics and proteomics, molecular and cell biology techniques, animal models, and patient-oriented studies involving these research topics mentioned above.

Study sections in this IRG include:

Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology [MCE]

Integrative and Clinical Endocrinology and Reproduction [ICER]

Cellular, Molecular, and Integrative Reproduction [CMIR]

Pregnancy and Neonatology [PN]

Cellular Aspects of Diabetes and Obesity [CADO]

Integrative Physiology of Obesity and Diabetes [IPOD]

Integrative Nutrition and Metabolic Processes [INMP]

Endocrinology, Metabolism, Nutrition, and Reproductive Sciences Small Business Activities [SBIR/STTR] Special Emphasis Panel [EMNR Small Business SEP]

Endocrinology, Nutritional Metabolism, and Reproductive Sciences Fellowship Study Section [F06]

Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology Study Section [MCE]

[MCE Roster]

The Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology Study Section [MCE] reviews studies that address the molecular and cell biology of endocrine organs and their products, both hormones and growth factors. This includes the synthesis and secretion of local and circulating hormones and growth factors (including, but not limited to, polypeptides and lipid-based ligands) and their mechanisms of action as they interact with cell-surface and nuclear receptors to influence cell structure, function, and the regulation of gene expression in both normal and pathologic states.

Specific areas covered by MCE:

·         With the Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neuroscience [MDCN] IRG : MCE has shared interests with the MDCN IRG in the areas of neuropeptide/receptor interactions, second messengers and effectors, and neuropeptide processing enzymes.  Molecular and cellular studies of receptors for hypothalamic-releasing or -inhibiting factors and processing of neuropeptides with a role in the endocrine system, could be assigned to MCE, unless the focus is on neurons/glia in which case they could be assigned to MDCN.  Studies of other neuropeptides could be assigned to MDCN.

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Integrative and Clinical Endocrinology and Reproduction Study Section [ICER]

[ICER Roster]

The Integrative and Clinical Endocrinology and Reproduction Study Section [ICER] reviews applications that focus on the physiology and pathophysiology of endocrine systems, and clinical endocrine and reproductive science investigations.  Areas of interest also include adaptation and response to environmental stress and homeostatic challenge; genetics and genomics; growth, development, and aging; neuroendocrinology, including neuroendocrine control of reproductive processes; cancer; interactions with the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and immune systems; endocrine disruptors/xenobiotics; pharmacology; novel hormone-based therapies; and comparative endocrinology.

Specific areas covered by ICER:

·         Pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal physiology and pathophysiology

·         Cancers of the endocrine system

·         Growth, development, and disorders of endocrine organs and their products

·         Neuroendocrinology

·         Reproductive neuroendocrinology including, development of the hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal (HPG) axis and mechanisms underlying biorhythms of reproductive hormones

·         Hormone interactions with other organ systems and tissues

·         Hormones and immunobiology

·         Pediatric and developmental endocrinology

·         Endocrinology of aging

·         Endocrine pharmacology and toxicology, including the actions of endocrine disrupters and xenobiotics

·         Endocrine-related disorders of the male and female reproductive systems

·         Hormones, stress, and the autonomic system

·         Hormone-based therapies

·         Comparative endocrinology

·         Animal models of endocrine disorders

·         With Cellular Aspects of Diabetes and Obesity [CADO] and Interactive Physiology of Obesity and Diabetes [IPOD]: Factors that affect the physiology and pathophysiology of diabetes and obesity could be referred to CADO or IPOD, except when the focus is on reproduction, as may occur in some studies of disorders such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).  Other areas of shared interest with CADO or IPOD include endocrine/immune interactions, hormones and aging, regulation of the autonomic nervous system, and neuroendocrinology related to satiety and glucose metabolism.  When these types of studies target the reproductive system, they could be referred to CMIR if the study is cellular or molecular in nature or ICER if the study is physiological or clinical in nature.

ICER has the following shared interests outside the EMNR IRG:

·         With the Biology of Development and Aging [BDA] IRG: Shared interest exists for studies of the age dependence of endocrine physiology and pharmacology.  Physiological or clinical studies of age-related changes involving the endocrine system could be referred to ICER.  Studies focused on multiple physiologic systems, life-span extension, or caloric restriction could be referred to BDA.  Male and female reproductive aging across and within the HPG axis is another area of shared interest.  Where the focus is the endocrine system, the application could be referred to ICER.  If the focus is on mechanisms of aging (such as oxidative stress, DNA damage, or cell senescence), or when the study addresses the "primordial organ" or has implications that transcend a single organ system or discipline, the application could be referred to BDA.  Studies of interactions between the HPG axis and non-reproductive physiologic systems could be referred to BDA if the focus is aging.

·         With the Risk, Prevention and Health Behavior [RPHB] IRG: Shared interest exists for the adaptation and response to environmental stress and resultant homeostatic challenge, particularly regarding regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and as a precursor to, or risk factor for, clinical morbidity (such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and depression). Applications that deal with adaptation and response at the hormonal or cellular level could be assigned to ICER.  Those that deal with an individual behavioral response, as an adaptation or response to stress, and that are associated with the prevention, exacerbation, or treatment of clinical or psychological illness could be assigned to RPHB.

·         With the Biobehavioral and Behavioral Processes [BBBP] IRG: Studies that focus on basic aspects of neuroendocrinology (including effects on reproduction), endocrine pharmacology and toxicology, hormones and immunobiology, hormones and the cardiovascular system, or stress and autonomic regulation could be assigned to ICER.  When the focus is the role of biobehavioral processes, such as: psychoneuroimmunology, effects of behavioral stress, psychoneuroendocrinology, behavioral development, feeding behavior, cognition, psychopathology, regulation of emotion, parental and affiliative behavior, or other socio-sexual processes assignment could be to BBBP.

·         With the Immunology [IMM] IRG: Basic and clinical studies of autoimmunity and inflammation as related to endocrine disorders (including diabetes, thyroid, adrenal, and other non-gonadal glands) could be referred to ICER.  In contrast, studies focused on fundamental aspects of immunochemistry; immunogenetics; and cellular, molecular, and developmental immunology could be referred to IMM.

·         With the Oncological Sciences [ONC] IRG: In general, studies of endocrine cancers (such as pituitary, thyroid, and other endocrine glands) would be referred to ICER.  Studies of the effect of hormones on the progression of other cancers could be referred to ONC.  When the primary focus of basic or clinical studies is on the hormone or endocrine organ, assignment may be made to ICER.  Proposals that focus on the biology or clinical aspects of cancer, where hormones receive a secondary consideration, are better suited to ONC.

·         With the Cardiovascular Sciences [CVS] IRG: Shared interest exists for studies of the effect of hormones on the vascular system, cardiac physiology, and hypertension.  Physiological or clinical studies that focus on the role of hormones could be referred to ICER.  In contrast, if focus is on the vascular system, cardiac physiology, or hypertension, assignment could be to CVS.

·         With the Musculoskeletal, Oral, and Skin Sciences [MOSS] IRG: There are shared interests in the role of hormones on regulation of musculoskeletal, oral, and skin development and physiology.  Applications that focus on hormonal control or growth factor control could be referred to ICER, studies that focus on the tissue could be referred to MOSS.

·         With the Digestive Sciences [DIG] IRG: (1) Shared interest exists for the metabolism, pharmacology and toxicology of xenobiotics, and endocrine disruptors.  Studies focused on the action of xenobiotics, and endocrine disruptors on endocrine systems could be referred to ICER.  When interaction with the endocrine system is not the primary focus, assignment could be to DIG.  (2) When the primary focus is on hormones of the gastrointestinal tract or peptides and neurotransmitters of the brain-gut axis, the application could be assigned to DIG.  Applications that focus on GI hormones that interact with pituitary or pancreatic hormones at the endocrine gland level could be assigned to ICER.

·         With the Respiratory Sciences [RES] IRG: There is shared interest in the physiology or pathology of the respiratory system.  Studies focused on endocrine interactions could be referred to ICER.  When interaction with the endocrine system is not the primary focus, assignment could be to RES.

·         With the Renal and Urological Sciences [RUS] IRG : Studies of the mechanism of action of hormones on urologic or renal development or diseases of the urinary tract could be assigned to RUS. Studies of the mechanism of action of hormones on the male genital system could be assigned to ICER or RUS depending on the focus of the application.

·         With the Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience [MDCN] IRG: There are shared interests in the areas of development of the HPG axis and its dysfunction, behavior, and memory.  Applications involved with sexually determined nervous system differentiation and neural regulation of reproductive function and gonadal feedback may be referred to ICER.  Applications that focus on the nervous system may be referred to MDCN.  Projects that focus on hormone actions in the brain (such as estrogens, adrenal corticosteroids and other endocrine agents) may be referred to ICER.  When the focus is on regulation of synaptic plasticity or other aspects of neural biology, assignment to MDCN may be more appropriate. 

·         With the Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience [IFCN] IRG : Projects that focus on the HPG axis interactions may be of shared interest.  IFCN could consider applications dealing with stress and the HPG axis, where the focus is the underlying neural mechanisms of feeding, cognition, emotional regulation, parental and affiliative behavior, and other reproductive behavior processes may be assigned to IFCN.  ICER could consider studies involving neuroendocrine organs (e.g., pituitary, hypothalamus) where the focus is on the hormone (e.g., its synthesis, release, regulation, and/or mechanism of action.)  Also, studies of neural or neuroendocrine control of reproductive processes such as gonadal function, fertilization, implantation, or parturition, or related events (e.g., GnRH secretion, the LH surge, lactation) may be assigned to ICER.

·         With the Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience [BDCN] IRG:  ICER has shared interests with the BDCN IRG.  BDCN could be assigned applications that focus on neural disorders and/or injury of the nervous system, whereas ICER could be assigned applications related to neuroendocrine control of reproduction.  Thus, ICER could be assigned applications in the area of gonadotrophin releasing hormones, pituitary hypothalamic connections and pituitary gonadal interactions.

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Cellular, Molecular and Integrative Reproduction Study Section [CMIR]

[CMIR Roster]

The Cellular, Molecular and Integrative Reproduction study section [CMIR] reviews applications concerned with molecular, cellular, systems, and integrative aspects of reproductive biology. This encompasses the biology of germ cells and gametes, early events in conception (including research relevant to assisted reproductive technologies), and embryo development (including embryonic stem cells until the stage of implantation).  Also included are reproductive toxicology; gonadal function; puberty; male and female reproductive aging; the male and female reproductive tracts and their disorders; and research on infertility, contraception, gynecology, and andrology.

Specific areas covered by CMIR:

·         Origin and differentiation of germ cells: the endocrine, paracrine and physiologic mechanisms involved in oogenesis and spermatogenesis (including: germ-cell/somatic-cell interactions, germ-cell proliferation and apoptosis, and germ-cell transplantation)

·         Pre-implantation embryonic development, including: zygotic gene activation, autocrine/paracrine factors, and environmental influences on gene expression

·         Embryo implantation, including uterine receptivity and embryo/trophoblast-maternal tissue interactions

·         Sexual development, maturation, and sex determination of the male and female gonads and reproductive tracts, including issues relevant to imprinting

·         Embryonic stem cell biology, including mechanisms regulating stem cell differentiation

·         Epigenetic factors in development

·         Animal cloning and nuclear reprogramming

·         Structure, function, and regulation of the male reproductive system

·         Fertilization, including: sperm motility and capacitation, zona pellucida binding, and mechanisms to block polyspermy

·         Basic mechanistic and physiological studies of infertility in males and females (including reproductive failure associated with metabolic diseases)

·         Studies directed toward the development of assisted reproductive technologies, including aspects of cryobiology

·         Effects of pharmaceuticals, xenobiotics and environmental factors on reproduction

·         Contraception

·         Puberty, male and female reproductive aging, and the menopausal transition

·         Mammary gland development (including maturation and physiology) and hormonal control of lactation

·         Physiology and pathophysiology of the female reproductive system and tract

CMIR has the following shared interests within the EMNR IRG:

·         With Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology [MCE]: There is shared interest in reproductive organ physiology and pathobiology.  CMIR may be assigned projects that link molecular mechanisms with physiological outcomes; whereas, reproductive studies that focus on molecular aspects of hormone action would be better suited for MCE.  Although MCE focuses on steroidogenesis, CMIR could be assigned proposals dealing with gonadal steroidogenesis and its regulation.

·         With Integrative and Clinical Endocrinology and Reproduction [ICER]: ICER may review applications involved with physiology and pathophysiology of endocrine systems other than reproductive systems and neuroendocrine studies, including neuroendocrine effects on the reproductive system.  Clinical studies of the female reproductive system may be referred to ICER.  Applications involving growth, development and aging of the reproductive system, feed back, and gonadal hormone replacement therapies may be referred to CMIR.

·         With Pregnancy and Neonatology [PN]: There is shared interest in the peri-implantation period.  If the focus of the application is cellular or molecular in nature, assignment may be to CMIR.  If the focus of the application is more physiological or clinical in nature, assignment may be to PN.  Clinical studies of the female reproductive system may be referred to PN.

·         With Cellular Aspects of Diabetes and Obesity [CADO] and Integrative Physiology of Obesity and Diabetes [IPOD]: Studies of factors that affect the physiology and pathophysiology of diabetes and obesity could be referred to CADO or IPOD.  However, when the focus is reproduction, as may occur in some studies of disorders such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), CMIR may be more appropriate.  Applications that focus on reproduction or gonadal biology could be referred to CMIR, whereas applications that focus on insulin action may be referred to CADO or IPOD.  Other areas of shared interest with CADO or IPOD include endocrine/immune interactions, hormones and aging, regulation of the autonomic nervous system, and neuroendocrinology related to satiety and glucose metabolism.

CMIR has the following shared interests outside the EMNR IRG:

·         With the Genes, Genomes, and Genetics [GGG] IRG:  The study of epigenetic factors in development and genetic imprinting are a shared interest between GGG and CMIR.  Where emphasis is on the mechanism of imprinting or another epigenetic phenomenon, assignment to GGG may be appropriate.  Where emphasis is on regulating a reproductive process, assignment to CMIR may be appropriate.

·         With the Cell Biology [CB] IRG: Cell biology studies of gametogenesis and reproductive tract remodeling are shared interests and could be assigned to CB or CMIR depending on whether the focus of the study is cell biology or reproduction.

·         With the Biology of Development and Aging [BDA] IRG: There is extensive shared interest in the areas of gametogenesis and fertilization, including: formation of egg and sperm, fertilization, pre-implantation, animal cloning and organogenesis.  When the focus of the application is reproduction, assignment may be to CMIR; when the focus is on development, assignment may be to BDA.

·         With the Immunology [IMM] IRG: There are shared interests in the areas of reproductive immunology, autoimmune ovarian failure, immune infertility, and immuno-contraception.  Applications investigating basic immune mechanisms could be referred to IMM, whereas those that focus on reproductive aspects or ramifications could be referred to CMIR.

·         With the Infectious Diseases and Microbiology [IDM] IRG: There is shared interest in genital tract infections related to infertility.  Applications that focus on damage to the genital system or alteration of reproductive capacity caused by infectious agents could be referred to CMIR; those that focus on the infectious agent or its treatment could be referred to IDM.

·         With the Oncological Sciences [ONC] IRG: Areas of shared interest include endometrial hyperplasia, mammary neoplasia, and germ cell tumors.  Applications that involve hormonal alterations in reproductive tissues producing neoplasia could be referred to CMIR.  Applications that focus on malignancy could be referred to ONC.

·         With the Cardiovascular Sciences [CVS] IRG: There is shared interest in ovarian angiogenesis and luteal development.  Angiogenesis affecting ovarian function could be referred to CMIR.  Applications on other aspects of angiogenesis and vascular cell biology could be assigned to CVS.

·         With the Musculoskeletal, Oral, and Skin Sciences [MOSS] IRG: There are shared interests in the areas of menopause and osteoporosis, uterine tissue/menstruation, ovulation-related remodeling and pelvic floor support.  Applications whose endpoints are remodeling of reproductive tissues or reproductive function may be assigned to CMIR.  Basic or translational studies evaluating alterations in the supporting pelvic floor musculoskeletal structures, or with a primary focus of bone disease, including osteoporosis, may be assigned to MOSS.

·         With the Renal and Urological Sciences [RUS] IRG:  There is shared interest between CMIR and RUS in the areas of male reproductive biology and the male reproductive tract, including the prostate.  The perspective of the applicant should determine assignment, but in general the central focus of applications reviewed in CMIR is on reproductive competency (e.g., the role of prostatic fluids in sperm motility), the focus of RUS is urology (e.g., BPH, including its effect on urinary tract function).  While CMIR will review the full spectrum of reproductive sciences, including molecular, cellular, and physiological studies, RUS could offer its review expertise in clinical urology research, particularly in the areas of male infertility and sexual function, as an alternative review venue.

·         With the Surgical Sciences, Biomedical Imaging, and Bioengineering [SBIB] IRG: There is shared interest in the area of diagnostic imaging of the reproductive systems.  Studies that relate to reproductive function and structures could be referred to CMIR.  Studies that focus on the development of imaging equipment or protocols could be referred to SBIB.

·         With the Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience [BDCN] IRG: There is shared interest in the areas of hormonal influences on neurodegenerative diseases and brain injury.  Proposals that deal with effects of neurodegenerative brain injury on reproduction or effects of gonadal steroids on neurological diseases and brain injury may be referred to CMIR or to BDCN depending on the focus of the study.

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Pregnancy and Neonatology Study Section [PN]

[PN Roster]

The Pregnancy and Neonatology study section [PN] covers all aspects of intrauterine mammalian development from implantation through pregnancy, parturition and the neonatal period.  Areas include the normal physiology of pregnancy, parturition and the postpartum period as well as clinical obstetrics, disorders of pregnancy, neonatal development and diseases of the newborn.  In addition, research related to the immunology of pregnancy; maternal nutrition; the effects of pharmaceuticals, xenobiotic agents, and environmental toxicants on pregnancy; and placental endocrinology and function can be reviewed in PN.  Techniques and/or research models utilized include: clinical and basic genetics, molecular biology, cellular and organ physiology, and integrative biology.

Specific areas covered by PN:

·         Trophoblast invasion, maternal-fetal interactions, and diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy

·         Placental development, trophoblast differentiation, placental endocrinology, transport functions and utero-placental blood flow

·         Pregnancy and mechanisms leading to parturition (including: endocrine, immunologic, infectious, and coagulation factors)

·         Disorders of pregnancy (preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and other diseases affecting pregnancy)

·         Fetal and neonatal biology, including: fetal growth and development, fetal physiology, fetal diseases, in-utero infection, transition to extra-uterine life, and neonatal physiology and pathophysiology

·         Immunologic issues of pregnancy, including: immuno-tolerance mechanisms, immunologic basis of complications of pregnancy and loss of the fetus, and autoimmune diseases

·         Endocrinologic aspects of pregnancy as they relate to placental hormone production, endocrine disorders during pregnancy, and fetal endocrinology

·         Conditions leading to recurrent pregnancy loss, including factors related to: immunology, infection, and genetic or structural abnormalities of the reproductive system

·         Pregnancy-related studies of pharmacology and toxicology, including: placental transport mechanisms, pharmacokinetics of drugs during pregnancy, and the effects of metabolic products of pharmaceuticals and xenobiotics

·         Nutrition during pregnancy as it relates to: maternal physiology, placental function, fetal growth and development, and neonatal health

·         Pregnancy-related and neonatal aspects of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

PN has the following shared interests within the EMNR IRG:

·         With Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology [MCE]: There is shared interest with aspects of endocrinology, including: steroidogenesis and hormone synthesis, secretion, and action.  Applications dealing with placental function, the production and action of trophoblast hormones as well as actions of hormone on the placenta and fetal tissue may be directed to PN.

·         With Integrative and Clinical Endocrinology and Reproduction [ICER]: There may be shared interest with respect to endocrine changes in pregnancy.  Applications dealing with endocrine functions that directly affect pregnancy outcome or placental and fetal function could be referred to PN.

·         With Cellular, Molecular, and Integrative Reproduction [CMIR]: There is shared interest with respect to uterine biology during the pre-implantation period.  Applications focused on uterine function or biology could be referred to PN, while applications dealing with embryonic development in the pre-implantation period could be referred to CMIR.

·         With Cellular Aspects of Diabetes and Obesity [CADO]: There is shared interest in the area of diabetes during pregnancy (including insulin-dependent diabetes, non-insulin-dependent diabetes, and gestational diabetes).  Studies that address fundamental aspects of glucose metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and glucose utilization could be reviewed in CADO.  Proposals related to the pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, treatment and outcomes of diabetes during pregnancy could be reviewed in PN.

·         With Integrative Physiology of Obesity and Diabetes [IPOD]: There is shared interest in diabetes during pregnancy.  Applications focused on carbohydrate metabolism, insulin secretion, pre- and post-natal diabetes and long-term diabetic outcomes may be referred to IPOD.  Applications related to the pathophysiology of diabetes during pregnancy, maternal and fetal outcomes, and the diagnosis and clinical management of diabetes during pregnancy could be referred to PN.

·         With Integrative Nutrition and Metabolic Processes [INMP]: There is shared interest with applications that address nutrient metabolism during pregnancy.  PN may be assigned studies on the impact of diet on pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, fetal development and growth; whereas, INMP could be assigned studies involving abnormalities of fuel metabolism or fundamental nutrient biology during pregnancy.

PN has the following shared interests outside the EMNR IRG:

·         With the Cell Biology [CB] IRG: Studies of implantation relating to pregnancy could be referred to PN, however, if implantation is being used as a model system to address cell biology questions that can be generalized, CB may be more appropriate.  Studies of fetal membranes could be referred to PN or to CB depending on whether the utility of the study's outcome is uniquely related to endocrinological issues.  

·         With the Biology of Development and Aging [BDA] IRG : There is shared interest in the area of embryonic/fetal development.  In general, applications focused on pregnancy and reproductive systems may be referred to PN.  The application could be referred to BDA, if the focus is mechanism of development, it addresses the "primordial organ", or has implications that transcend a single organ system or discipline.

·         With the Health of the Population [HOP] IRG: Shared interest exists regarding maternal nutrition and pregnancy outcomes, specifically with regard to disorders of pregnancy.  Studies that focus on genetics, molecular biology, cellular or organ physiology and integrative biology could be referred to PN.  Studies that focus on the relationship between pregnancy outcomes and their relationship with socio-demographic factors, including population studies related to epidemiology or large-scale interventions, could be referred to HOP.  Applications that focus on human behavioral aspects of maternal nutrition (eating patterns, compliance with nutritional, behavioral, or psychosocial interventions or interpersonal support) as a risk factor or intervention for pregnancy outcomes could be referred to HOP or RPHB.

·         With the Risk, Prevention and Health Behavior [RPHB] IRG: Shared interest exists regarding maternal nutrition and pregnancy outcomes, specifically with regard to disorders of pregnancy.  Studies that focus on genetics, molecular biology, cellular and organ physiology and integrative biology could be referred to PN.  Applications that focus on human behavioral aspects of maternal nutrition (eating patterns, compliance with nutritional, behavioral, or psychosocial interventions or interpersonal support) as a risk factor or intervention for pregnancy outcomes could be referred to HOP or RPHB.

·         With the Biobehavioral and Behavioral Processes [BBBP] IRG: There is shared interest in the area of the endocrinology of pregnancy as it relates to placental hormone production, maternal physiology, placental function, fetal growth and development and neonatal health, and mechanisms leading to parturition.  Applications focused on basic aspects of these physiological process may be assigned to PN, whereas applications focused on the effects of behavioral factors on pregnancy, parturition and lactation or of the effects of these processes on feeding, cognition, regulation of emotions, psychopathology, behavioral development, parental and affiliative behavior, and other social processes could be assigned to BBBP.

·         With the Immunology [IMM] IRG: There is shared interest in the area of reproductive immunology, including immuno-deficiency states in pregnancy and immuno-tolerance of pregnancy. Applications that focus on immune phenomena as they relate to pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes may be referred to PN.  Applications that focus on immune mechanisms or processes may be referred to IMM.

·         With the Infectious Diseases and Microbiology [IDM] IRG: There is shared interest in genital tract infections in pregnancy, infection related pre-term labor, postpartum infections, and neonatal sepsis.  Proposals that directly relate to pregnancy or reproduction could be referred to PN.  Applications that focus on the infectious agent, mechanism of infection or treatment could be referred to IDM.

·         With the AIDS and Related Research [AARR] IRG: There is shared interest in the area of vertical transmission of HIV and its therapy during pregnancy.  However, because of the accelerated review of AIDS grant applications, these proposals generally will be referred to AARR.

·         With the Oncological Sciences [ONC] IRG: There is shared interest with areas of gestational trophoblast neoplasias.  Studies related to placental biology and function, could be assigned to PN.  In contrast, when the focus is cancer biology or its treatment, ONC could be appropriate.

·         With the Cardiovascular Sciences [CVS] IRG: There is shared interest in the areas of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (including preeclampsia), maternal cardiac diseases, angiogenesis in placenta and uterine tissues, and fetal cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology.  Applications that directly relate to maternal or fetal cardiovascular physiology or disease could be referred to PN.  Applications where the primary focus is systemic or regional circulation, hypertension or other aspects of angiogenesis or vascular cell biology may be assigned to CVS.

·         With the Digestive Sciences [DIG] IRG: There is shared interest in the areas of placental nutrient transport and fetal growth.  (1) Applications specifically related to placental function and fetal nutrition could be referred to PN.  Dietary and physiological influences on the handling of nutrients, pharmaceuticals or xenobiotics by the gastrointestinal tract may be assigned to DIG.  (2) When the primary focus is hormones of the gastrointestinal tract and peptides and neurotransmitters of the brain-gut axis, applications could be assigned to DIG.  Applications that focus on the interaction of GI hormones with placental hormones could be assigned to PN.

·         With the Respiratory Sciences [RES] IRG: There are shared interests in areas related to fetal and neonatal pulmonary development, physiology, pathophysiology, diseases and disorders. Applications dealing with effects of endocrine, metabolic, nutritional, or reproductive (pregnancy and fetal or neonatal well-being) factors on fetal or neonatal pulmonary development, physiology, pathophysiology, diseases and disorders, including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), could be assigned to PN.  Applications that focus on physiological, cellular, or molecular aspects of pulmonary development or function or fetal and neonatal lung diseases and disorders could be assigned to RES.  Applications that focus on pulmonary function in SIDS could also be assigned to RES.

·         With the Musculoskeletal, Oral, and Skin Sciences [MOSS] IRG: There are shared interests in the neonatology and development of the musculoskeletal, oral and skin systems.  Studies that focus on the physiology or pathology of these systems could be referred to MOSS.  Studies that focus on the maintenance of pregnancy or overall fetal well-being could be referred to PN.

·         With the Renal and Urological Sciences [RUS] IRG: (1) There is shared interest in the area of maternal renal diseases and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (including preeclampsia).  Applications that focus on conditions in the fetus or the pregnant female may be referred to PN.  Studies that focus on renal hemodynamics, tubular function, and renal humoral/hormonal agents, as they affect renal function, may be assigned to RUS.  Hypertension associated with renal insufficiency or end-stage renal disease may also be assigned to RUS.  (2) Studies of female sexual medicine could be assigned according to the focus of the application, typically to PN.  Studies of the male or female reproductive systems that focus on consequences to the kidney or the urinary tract, and urinary incontinence, could be assigned to RUS.  (3) For proposals dealing with the fetal kidney, PN could be appropriate if the emphasis is fetal well-being or pregnancy.  Other aspects of kidney development could be appropriate for RUS.

·         With the Surgical Sciences, Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering [SBIB] IRG: There is shared interest in the area of fetal and maternal reproductive tract diagnostic imaging.  Fetal and maternal studies that use documented imaging procedures, either in a research or clinical environment, could be appropriately reviewed in PN.  Studies that focus on the development of imaging equipment or protocols could be referred to SBIB.

·         With the Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience [MDCN] IRG: There is shared interest in fetal brain development.  Applications dealing with fetal brain development as it relates to pregnancy outcome or neonatal health could be assigned to PN.  MDCN could be assigned applications addressing molecular and cellular aspects of brain development and function.

·         With the Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience [IFCN] IRG: There is shared interest in the areas of the endocrinologic aspects of pregnancy, pregnancy-related studies of pharmacology and toxicology, and fetal or neonatal growth and development.  Applications focused on neural aspects of the behavioral effects of these processes could be assigned to IFCN.  Applications focused on the processes themselves could be assigned to PN. 

·         With the Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience [BDCN] IRG: There is shared interest in the areas of fetal brain development, hypoxic encephalopathy and fetal brain function.  Applications dealing with these areas, as they relate to pregnancy outcome or neonatal health could be assigned to PN, whereas, BDCN could be assigned applications addressing normal and pathologic brain development and function.

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Cellular Aspects of Diabetes and Obesity Study Section [CADO]

[CADO Roster]

The Cellular Aspects of Diabetes and Obesity study section [CADO] includes all aspects of metabolic regulation related to type 1 and type 2 diabetes, including: islet biology; insulin secretion and action; signal transduction pathways and their regulation; obesity and adipocyte biology (including cellular metabolism and energy balance); and regulation of nutrient flux and metabolism in muscle, adipose tissue, liver, and islets.

Specific areas covered by CADO:

·         Cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating fuel homeostasis and the pathogenesis of obesity and diabetes, including: glucose and amino acid transport and metabolism; protein synthesis and degradation; fatty acid synthesis and transport; lipogenesis and lipolysis; glycogen synthesis and gluconeogenesis; insulin action on glucose transport and metabolism; and insulin action on cell differentiation, proliferation, growth, and survival

·         Differentiation, development, growth, and function of pancreatic islets; beta cell replacement; and stem cell biology

·         Biosynthesis, trafficking and secretion of insulin and other islet hormones and novel factors that coordinate central and peripheral communication of nutrient status

·         Mechanisms of regulation of insulin secretion by metabolites, ion fluxes, signal transduction, and autonomic and neuroendocrine pathways

·         Structure and function of ligands, receptors, and other molecules involved in metabolic regulation and energy homeostasis (in the CNS and peripheral tissues)

·         Mechanisms of insulin signaling, insulin resistance, and glucose transport

·         Downstream signaling pathways in insulin action, including the actions of scaffold proteins, phospholipids, kinases, and phosphatases

·         Modulation of insulin action by cytokines and altered nutritional and metabolic states

·         Hypothalamic regulation of energy homeostasis, including: the role of metabolic substrates as well as endocrine, neuroendocrine, and cytokine-mediated mechanisms

·         Differentiation and function of adipocytes, including: signal transduction mechanisms that control gene expression and cell function, as well as the structure and function of adipocyte-secreted biologically active molecules

·         Mechanisms, genetic predictors, and the role of nutrients and diet in preventing complications of diabetes

CADO has the following shared interests within the EMNR IRG:

·         With Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology [MCE]: Polypeptide hormone synthesis, secretion, and trafficking are areas of shared interest with MCE.  In general, studies of hormone synthesis, secretion, trafficking, and signal transduction are referred to MCE. However, if the primary focus is islet or adipocyte hormone secretion, metabolic regulation, beta cell function, adipocyte differentiation, or cross-talk with insulin signaling, the application could be referred to CADO.

·         With Cellular Molecular and Integrative Reproduction [CMIR]: The study of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) overlaps with ovarian dysfunction.  When the application is focused on gonadal biology assignment could be to CMIR.  The application could be referred to CADO when the focus is insulin action or insulin resistance in PCOS. 

·         With Pregnancy and Neonatology [PN]: An application could be referred to PN if it focuses primarily on placental biology, pregnancy complications, or immediate fetal or maternal outcomes.  If it focuses on carbohydrate metabolism, insulin secretion or long-term diabetes outcomes, it could be referred to either IPOD or CADO.

·         With Integrative Physiology of Obesity and Diabetes [IPOD]: CADO and IPOD share conceptual and methodological interests.  In general, applications that address more basic aspects of metabolic regulation (e.g., those using cell or tissue systems) may be referred to CADO; those using animal models may be referred to IPOD.  Those focusing on human or animal models to validate hypotheses related directly to human pathophysiology may be referred to IPOD.  Applications focusing on the actions of insulin and other hormones influencing energy homeostasis in the whole organism or integrating whole body insulin resistance and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), especially in humans, may be referred to IPOD.

·         With Integrative Nutrition and Metabolic Processes [INMP]: Applications focusing on lipoproteins or lipid metabolism could be referred to INMP.  Applications focusing on basic aspects of metabolic regulation related to obesity or diabetes could be referred to CADO.

CADO has the following shared interests outside the EMNR IRG:

·         With the Genes, Genomes, and Genetics [GGG] IRG: Genetics of obesity and diabetes may be areas of shared interest with GGG.  Models of the complex genetic questions and mapping in animals or humans could be referred to GGG.  Analysis of the functional consequences of specific genetic alterations concerning obesity and/or diabetes could be referred to IPOD or CADO.  Genomic approaches to the molecular physiology of obesity and/or diabetes should be assigned in a manner consistent with the main focus of the application.  If genomic tools (e.g., DNA or protein microarrays, high throughput sequencing, SNP detection, bioinformatics) are used primarily to address questions regarding the physiology/pathogenesis of these states, the application could be referred to IPOD or CADO.  If a major focus is development of genomic techniques/materials for the study of these phenotypes, the application could be referred to GGG.

·         With the Biology of Development and Aging [BDA] IRG: There may be shared interests in the area of aging research.  Studies of metabolic regulation related to obesity and diabetes, regulation of nutrient flux and metabolism, and adipocyte biology could be referred to CADO.  BDA may review applications with a primary emphasis on aging issues (i.e., on the role of aging changes or co-morbidity-related factors affecting pathogenesis of diabetes and obesity in the elderly) when the study transcends a single organ system or discipline.  BDA could also review applications that focus on the effects of diabetes and obesity on pathophysiologic processes in the elderly when the study transcends a single organ system or discipline.

·         With the Immunology [IMM] IRG