Scientific
Areas of Integrated Review Groups (IRGs)
For a listing of the Scientific Review
Administrator and membership roster for each study section, click on the study
section roster under the study section name within the IRG shown below or go to
the study
section index (study sections listed alphabetically) and click on the
specified roster next to the name of the study section.
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Referral & Review |
Genes, Genomes and Genetics IRG [GGG]
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The Genes,
Genomes and Genetics [GGG] IRG will review research applications on
fundamental and applied aspects of genes, genomes and genetics of humans and
other organisms. Areas considered are fundamental mechanisms and regulation
of gene expression, including chromosome function and maintenance, the
regulation of DNA and RNA metabolism, translation, and posttranslational
modification. Genomic studies, computational biology and technology development
will also be considered, including development of new genetic tools and
resources, global analysis of genetic systems, biological and computational
resource development, and classification, storage, access, analysis and
integration of genetic and other biological information. Genetic variation
and evolution will be reviewed under the GGG IRG including the description,
analysis and modeling of induced and natural genome variation, and
comparisons between species. All aspects of quantitative genetics including
complex trait mapping will be considered in humans and a wide variety of
other species. The involvement of genetics in human health and disease will
be considered, including the discovery, application and interpretation of
gene and genomic variation influencing phenotype and the development of
experimental and computational approaches to the identification of
disease-related genes. Proposals dealing with model systems of all organisms,
as they relate to human health and disease, will be considered, as will
translational genetic studies applying fundamental genetic insight into the
clinical setting. The following Study Sections are included within
the GGG IRG: Molecular Genetics A, B
& C [MG - A, B & C] Molecular Genetics A, B
and C Study Sections [MG - A, B and C]
[MG-A
Roster] [MG-B Roster] [MG-C Roster] The Molecular Genetics study sections will review grant
applications on the fundamental mechanisms and regulation of gene expression.
This will include chromosome function and maintenance, chromatin structure
and remodeling, DNA replication, recombination and repair, transcription, RNA
processing, translation,
and post-translational modification. Experimental approaches may include
the use of whole organism, cell-culture, or cell-free studies, structural
analyses, genomic technologies, chemical genetics, and informatics. While all
three study sections will review applications on eukaryotic organisms,
crosscutting studies on prokaryotes where results may be broadly applicable
across kingdoms will be clustered in the Molecular Genetics A study section
with related topics such as DNA repair and mutation. Specific areas covered by MG -
A, B & C: MGA ·
Chromatin structure and remodeling ·
DNA replication and cell cycle control ·
DNA repair pathways ·
Transcription mechanisms and regulation ·
RNA processing and stability ·
Protein synthesis and translational
control ·
Post-translational processes ·
Protein ubiquitinylation and degradation Additional areas may include: ·
Prokaryotic molecular genetics ·
Ribonucleoprotein assembly and transport ·
Non-coding RNA ·
Recombination ·
Mutagenesis ·
Extrachromosomal and organelle genetics ·
Mobile genetic elements MGB ·
Chromatin structure and remodeling ·
DNA replication and cell cycle control ·
DNA repair pathways ·
Transcription mechanisms and regulation ·
RNA processing and stability ·
Protein synthesis and translational
control ·
Post-translational processes ·
Protein ubiquitinylation and degradation Additional areas may include: ·
Imprinting ·
Dosage compensation ·
Epigenetic processes ·
Ribonucleoprotein assembly and transport ·
Non-coding RNA ·
Gene regulatory networks
MGC ·
Chromatin structure and remodeling ·
DNA replication and cell cycle control ·
DNA repair pathways ·
Transcription mechanisms and regulation ·
RNA processing and stability ·
Protein synthesis and translational control ·
Post-translational processes ·
Protein ubiquitinylation and degradation Additional areas may include: ·
Chromosome dynamics and structure ·
Meiosis and segregation ·
Cytogenetics ·
Recombination ·
Mutagenesis ·
Extrachromosomal and organelle genetics ·
Mobile genetic elements The MG study sections have the following shared
interests within the GGG IRG: ·
With Genomics, Computational Biology and Technology
[GCAT]: Studies that apply high-throughput, computational,
and/or mathematical modeling approaches to processes covered by the
Molecular Genetics study sections could be assigned to MG-A, -B, or -C as
appropriate. Development of emerging high-throughput, computational,
network modeling, or mathematical approaches may be more appropriate for
assignment to GCAT. ·
With Genetic Variation and Evolution
[GVE]: Studies addressing mechanistic questions about
mutation, recombination, and chromosome dynamics could be directed to
MG-A, -B, or -C as appropriate. Studies with emphasis on evolutionary
aspects, including statistical and quantitative methods, could be directed
to GVE. ·
With Genetics of Health and Disease
[GHD]: Cytogenic studies relating to diagnosis or disease
processes could be assigned to GHD. Studies that address fundamental
questions about chromosome structure and organization could be assigned to
MG. Studies on imprinting, X-inactivation, organelle genetics,
recombination and DNA repair could be assigned to GHD if the emphasis is
on genetic disease, and applications with a distinct human genetic focus
could be assigned to GHD. If the focus is on molecular mechanisms, the
application could be assigned to MG. The MG study sections have the following shared
interests outside the GGG IRG: The MG study sections have shared interests in the
study of genetic mechanisms with many IRGs. Applications that focus on
fundamental mechanisms and/or regulation of DNA metabolism or gene
expression could generally be assigned to MG-A, -B, or -C. Studies that
employ a particular organ, system or disease as a model for investigating
basic genetic processes may be appropriate for MG. ·
With the Biological Chemistry & Macromolecular
Biophysics [BCMB] IRG: Shared interests include protein-nucleic acid
interactions, nucleic acid enzymology, and structure/function studies of
related macromolecular complexes. If the emphasis is on enzyme kinetics,
detailed chemical reaction mechanisms, or high-resolution structure
determination, the application could be assigned to BCMB. If structural
analysis is one of several approaches to elucidate molecular genetic
mechanisms, assignment could be to MG-A, -B, or -C. ·
With the Cell Biology [CB] IRG: Shared interests include chromosome duplication and
dynamics, nucleocytoplasmic trafficking, and signal transduction pathways.
If the focus is on molecular genetic mechanisms and/or regulation of DNA
metabolism or gene expression, studies on nuclear transport, cell cycle
control, apoptosis, and signaling pathways may be assigned to the MG-A,
-B, or -C study sections. Studies focusing on mitotic processes or on
cytoskeletal or nuclear envelope assembly and dynamics may be assigned to
CB. ·
With the Biology of Development & Aging [BDA]
IRG: Shared interests include regulation of
differentiation and cell fate determination. Studies on fundamental
molecular genetic questions of broad biological significance could be
assigned to MG. Studies on genetic control of development and aging could
be assigned to BDA. ·
With the Infectious Diseases & Microbiology [IDM]
and AIDS & Related Research [AARR] IRGs: Genetic studies of microbes where the
results principally apply to microbes could be assigned to IDM or AARR.
Genetic studies where the results apply broadly across kingdoms could be
assigned to MG, particularly MGA. ·
With the Oncological Sciences [ONC]
IRG: Molecular genetic studies of cancer
etiology, tumor pathogenesis, or organ-specific carcinogenesis could be
assigned to ONC. Basic mechanistic studies of genetic stability, DNA
repair, or of cell growth control and differentiation could be assigned to
MG-A, -B, or -C. ·
With the Organ-system/Disease IRGs - Hematology
[HEME]; Cardiovascular Sciences [CVS]; Endocrinology, Metabolism,
Nutrition, & Reproductive Sciences [EMNR]; Musculoskeletal, Oral,
& Skin Sciences [MOSS]; Digestive Sciences [DIG]; Respiratory Sciences
[RES]; and Renal & Urological Sciences [RUS]: Assignment of a molecular genetics application to an
organ-system/disease IRG or to MG-A, -B, or -C should be based on the
nature of the scientific question(s) being addressed. Studies
directed at a single organ-system or disease could be assigned to the
organ-system or disease IRG, even if basic approaches are used. Assignment
could be to the MG-A, -B, or -C if the question(s) addressed may be
applicable to multiple diseases or organ systems, or if the study involves
an emerging approach for which expertise resides in a MG study
section. ·
With the Neuroscience IRGs - Molecular, Cellular
& Developmental Neuroscience [MDCN]; Integrative, Functional, &
Cognitive Neuroscience [IFCN]; and Brain Disorders & Clinical
Neuroscience [BDCN]: Applications with a primary focus on molecular
genetic processes could be reviewed by the MG-A, -B, or -C study sections.
However, applications with a primary focus on neuroscience processes could
be reviewed by one of the neuroscience IRGs. The distinction is whether
neuroscience questions are being asked or whether the nervous system is
being used as a convenient model. Genomics, Computational Biology and Technology Study
Section [GCAT]
The Genomics, Computational Biology and Technology
Study Section will consider research applications involving global and
integrative analyses of biological systems, and the development of new
computational and experimental methodologies. These would
include (1) large-scale projects providing genetic information or
resources, (2) functional and comparative genomics, (3) the application of
bioinformatics and computational methods for collection, storage,
integration, analysis, modeling and dissemination of genetic information,
and (4) the development and validation of new experimental approaches
applicable to systematic analyses. These projects may pertain to humans or
model systems. Specific areas covered by GCAT:
GCAT has the following shared interests within the
GGG IRG: In general the GCAT study
section could review applications pertaining to new and emerging
technologies, large-scale/high throughput studies, and computational
modeling of genetic systems. Applications using established
technologies applied to specific problems should be reviewed by other
study sections.
GCAT has the following shared interests outside the GGG IRG:
Genetic
Variation and Evolution Study Section [GVE] The Genetic Variation and Evolution Study Section
addresses grant applications related to the origin, distribution,
maintenance, and effects of genetic variation. It considers
studies ranging from characterization of the genetic and phenotypic
differences among individuals and species to the evolution of genomes and
biological systems. Specific areas covered by (but not limited to)
GVE:
These topics
will be investigated in a variety of species, including humans, other
animals, plants, and microbes. Approaches include molecular genetics;
quantitative trait locus analysis, linkage and association mapping;
experimental and theoretical population genetics; experimental or
simulated evolution; phylogenetics; molecular evolutionary analysis;
comparative genomics; gene expression and protein analyses. GVE may welcome applications that attempt to dissect
complex morphological, behavioral, physiological and fitness-related
phenotypes. Proposals to be considered may also include the development of
statistical methods for inferring evolutionary processes or mapping
quantitative traits; development of new model systems relevant to these
topics; community-wide resources, such as database and computational
tools; and modeling the emergence of naturally occurring or intentionally
released infectious diseases, including genetic, evolutionary and
ecological mechanisms and interactions. GVE has the following shared interests within the GGG IRG:
GVE has the following shared interests outside the
GGG IRG:
Genetics of
Health and Disease Study Section [GHD] The GHD Study Section will review applications
involving the discovery, application and interpretation of genetic and
genomic variation in human phenotype and disease. Specific areas covered by GHD:
GHD has the following shared interests within the GGG
IRG:
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