Renal and Urological Sciences IRG [RUS]
The Renal and Urological Sciences [RUS] IRG will
review grant applications to investigate systemic or local diseases
affecting the kidney, urinary tract, and male genital system. This
includes clinical, translational and fundamental studies of the disease
state and its treatment as well as of normal growth, development,
structure, and function.
Specifically, the RUS IRG will review applications
directed at understanding: 1) genetic, cellular and molecular mechanisms
underlying regulation of fluid and mineral balance in the intact kidney
and in the diverse cells composing the kidney; 2) pathogenesis of
hypertension as it affects the kidney; 3) effects of hormonal functions on
the kidney as a whole, normal and abnormal hormonal regulation of kidney
and male sexual functions; 4) causes and treatment of acute and chronic
disorders that affect the kidney, urinary tract, and male genital system
(including sexual dysfunction); and 5) pathogenesis of local or systemic
disorders affecting the structure or function of the kidney, urinary tract
(including the pelvic floor), or the male genital system. In
addition, the RUS IRG will review applications aimed at: 1) development
and evaluation of new techniques for investigating disorders of the
kidney, urinary tract, and male genital system; 2) development and
evaluation of therapies to treat localized or systemic disorders arising
from damage to the kidney, urinary tract, or male genital system; 3)
translation of basic research to clinical investigation; and 4) treatment
of disorders of the kidney, urinary tract, and male genital system.
The following Study Sections are included within the
RUS IRG:
·
Cellular and
Molecular Biology of the Kidney [CMBK]
·
Pathobiology of
Kidney Disease [PBKD]
·
Urologic and Kidney
Development and Genitourinary Diseases [UKGD]
·
Renal and Urological
Sciences Small Business Activities [SBIR/STTR] Special Emphasis Panel [RUS
Small Business SEP]
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Cellular and Molecular Biology of the Kidney
[CMBK]
[CMBK Roster]
The Cellular and Molecular Biology of the Kidney
[CMBK] Study Section reviews grant applications involving basic and
applied aspects of normal and abnormal renal physiology, cell biology,
transport biology, including osmoregulation and osmosensing, hormone
action and signal transduction, vascular biology, genetic disorders,
cell-matrix interactions, biophysics, and bioenergetics.
Specific
areas covered by CMBK:
-
Molecular biology and
physiology of transport systems (e.g., water channels, cotransporters,
organic solutes, and ion channels) broadly relevant to renal function
and disease; structure-function relationships; regulation of function;
synthesis and degradation of cellular components; and disorders of
transport function, both acquired and inherited.
-
Protein trafficking and cell polarity; protein
turnover and targeting; cell-matrix interactions; protein synthesis; and
regulation of gene expression and other processes relevant to the
function of renal tubular epithelial, vascular, and interstitial
cells.
-
Disorders of tubular
epithelial and endothelial cells as they relate to kidney diseases.
-
Identification and
characterization of genes that cause kidney diseases in humans and
animal models. Pathophysiology and cellular and molecular
consequences of genetic disorders (including polycystic kidney disease
and disorders of tubular function).
-
Integrated aspects of disordered fluid, electrolyte,
and acid-base homeostasis resulting from abnormalities in the transport
systems; blood pressure and extracellular fluid volume homeostasis;
hormonal and autocoid regulation of renal and urinary tract function;
neural regulation; and abnormal transport systems causing hypertension.
-
Pharmacology relating to
kidney function.
CMBK has the
following shared interests within the RUS IRG:
-
With Pathobiology of Kidney Disease
[PBKD]:
(1) Hypertension: Applications related
to the effects of hypertension or the hemodynamics of hypertension could
be assigned to PBKD. Applications that focus on 1) the genetics of
renal hypertension or vascular regulation or 2) cell physiology,
transport, or channel abnormalities contributing to the development of
hypertension, could be assigned to CMBK. (2) Genetic diseases. Applications related to organ
physiology and consequences of genetic diseases could be assigned to
PBKD. Also, studies that relate to alterations in the structure or
function of the glomerulus could be assigned to PBKD. Applications
related to genetic diseases affecting renal tubular epithelial cells, as
well as those studying effects on the structure or function of affected
proteins, could be assigned to CMBK. (3) Proteinuria and nephrotic syndrome.
Studies of the
pathogenesis of proteinuria and clinical studies of nephrotic syndrome
could be assigned to PBKD, whereas studies of integrated handling of
renal salt and water excretion in the pathogenesis of edema could be
assigned to CMBK. (4) Progression of renal
disease. Applications dealing with factors that influence the
progression of disease or organ pathophysiology, whether clinical or in
experimental models, are most appropriate for PBKD. Those that
address cell physiology, including cell signaling, trafficking,
polarity, transport or channel properties could be assigned to CMBK. (5)
Diabetic nephropathy. Applications
dealing with factors that influence the susceptibility to diabetic
nephropathy, its initiation, progression, and pathophysiology (whether
clinical or involving in vivo or in vitro experimental models) are most
appropriate for PBKD. Those that address cell physiology
(including cell signaling, trafficking, polarity, transport or channel
properties) could be assigned to CMBK. (6) Pathogenesis and manifestations of cystic kidney
disease. Clinical and basic studies of the effects of
cystic diseases on renal function could be assigned to PBKD.
Molecular and clinical genetic studies in humans and animal models are
more appropriate for CMBK, as are studies of the transport properties of
cystic epithelia.
-
With Urologic and Kidney Development and
Genitourinary Diseases [UKGD]: Applications related to
pathogenesis of stone formation, the effects of stones, and treatment of
stone disease could be assigned to UKGD. Applications related to
abnormal transport systems and membrane biology related to stone
formation could be assigned to CMBK.
CMBK has the
following shared interests outside the RUS IRG:
-
With the Biological Chemistry and Macromolecular
Biophysics [BCMB] IRG:
Studies examining the structure and function of membranes or proteins
involved in ion transport mechanisms, including signal transduction and
bioenergetics, that address questions relative to the physiology or
pathology of the kidney, are appropriate for CMBK. Studies
designed to address general principles of ion transport, signal
transduction or bioenergetics, and that use kidney elements primarily as
a convenient source of material, may be considered under the auspices of
the BCMB IRG. In general, studies of kidney structure and function that
use primarily biophysical techniques (e.g., X-ray
crystallography, electron microscopy/image
reconstruction, electron spin resonance, and single molecular
techniques) would be assigned to the BCMB IRG.
-
With the Cell Biology [CB] IRG:
Applications related to general questions of
epithelial cell biology with no apparent application to the kidney and
its function could be assigned to the CB IRG. Applications related
to questions of cell biology related to renal function and disease could
be assigned to CMBK.
-
With the Genes, Genomes & Genetics [GGG]
IRG: Studies directed at the renal
or urological system could be assigned to CMBK if the focus is primarily
on the elucidation of specific known disease mechanisms, molecules, or pathways in
the genitourinary system. This would include the study of known
genes or the use of established technologies to study non-Mendelian,
complex diseases or Mendelian diseases. Applications that focus on
general questions of gene discovery, genetic dissection of complex
diseases, or development of emerging genetic technology could be
assigned to GGG.
-
With the Biology of Development and Aging [BDA]
IRG: Studies of the kidney and aging are shared
with the BDA IRG. Basic and clinical studies on aging that address
questions specifically applicable to the kidney may be assigned to
CMBK. Studies that use the kidney as a model to address questions
having broad applicability for the biology of aging, or studies
involving the kidney and interactions with age-related changes in other
physiological systems could be assigned to the BDA IRG.
-
With the Cardiovascular Sciences [CVS]
IRG: Applications related to the molecular basis
of disorders causing abnormal function of ion channels that result in
hypertension may be assigned to either the CVS IRG or CMBK according to
the central focus of the application. Applications related to non-renal
aspects of hypertension may be assigned to the CVS IRG.
Applications that focus on the genetics, vascular regulation, cell
physiology, transport, or channel abnormalities contributing to the
development of hypertension associated with renal insufficiency or
end-stage renal disease may be assigned to CMBK.
-
With the Digestive Sciences [DIG]
IRG: Shared interests exist in areas such as renal
transport mechanisms and drug therapy. Studies could be assigned
to the DIG IRG when the kinetics, dynamics and mechanisms address
disposition and effects of drugs where multiple organ systems are
involved, or where the hepatic and/or gastrointestinal activities
dominate. Pharmacology relating to kidney function and toxic injury to
the kidney, including xenobiotic-mediated alterations, could be assigned
to CMBK. This would include applications where multiple organ
systems are involved if the transport systems are known to be essential
for kidney function such as aquaporin or polycystin.
-
With the Integrative, Functional and Cognitive
Neuroscience [IFCN] IRG: There is a shared
interest in the neural control of renal function. Applications
focusing on the central nervous system dealing with thirst could be
assigned to the IFCN IRG. Applications on the central nervous
system regulation of renal function could be assigned to CMBK.
[Back
to Top]
Pathobiology of Kidney Disease
[PBKD]
[PBKD Roster]
The Pathobiology of Kidney Disease [PBKD] study
section reviews grant applications involving basic and clinical studies of
kidney disease. This includes investigations of pathophysiology,
diagnosis, consequences and treatment of acute and chronic disorders of
the kidney, the consequences of kidney disease and failure, as well as
studies of the normal structure and function of the glomerulus.
Studies may involve in vivo or in vitro models and/or patient-focused
investigations.
Specific
areas covered by PBKD:
-
Normal structure and function of the glomerulus and
its constituent cells, including normal cell biology of glomerular
cells, composition and assembly of the glomerular basement membrane,
cell-matrix interactions, and regulation of glomerular filtration and
permeability.
-
Immune and non-immune disorders of the glomerulus
and tubulo-interstitium, including kidney-specific autoimmunity and
renal manifestations of systemic autoimmune diseases,
glomerulonephritis, non-inflammatory glomerulopathies, identification of
nephritogenic antigens and antibodies, nephropathic cell-mediated
immunity, and the role of inflammatory mediators and inflammatory cell
infiltrates in the kidney.
-
Proteinuria and nephrotic syndrome, including
mechanisms and mediators of proteinuria as well as the pathophysiology
of nephrotic syndrome and its consequences.
-
Mechanisms of renal fibrosis and scarring, including
post inflammatory fibrogenesis and the roles of proteinuria, ischemia,
inflammatory mediators and immune mechanisms.
-
Progression of renal disease, including risk factors
and mechanisms of disease.
-
Mechanisms and consequences of acute renal failure, including endothelial and epithelial cell
injury, repair, and regeneration; contribution of inflammation; and
mechanisms of cell death following ischemic injury and other forms of
tubular epithelial injury.
-
Toxic injury to the kidney, including
xenobiotic-mediated alterations in renal signal transduction, cell-cycle
regulation, receptors, genes, and apoptosis; as well as mechanisms of
renal apoptosis and necrosis, senescence, genotoxic responses, DNA
damage, oxidative stress, and cellular aging.
-
Renal hemodynamics, including the regulation of the
renal microcirculation and the hormonal regulation of renal circulatory
function.
-
Role of the kidney in the regulation of blood
pressure and in the development of hypertension, including hormonal and
autocoid factors that regulate integrated functions of the kidney,
including: renal hemodynamics; neural influences on the kidney; the
renin-angiotensin system; and the expression of effects of nitric oxide,
endothelin, and other such factors on the kidney.
-
Effects of hypertension on the kidney, including
experimental and clinical studies of the pathophysiology, course, and
treatment of hypertensive nephrosclerosis.
-
Vascular biology of the kidney. This includes
renal vascular endothelial cell injury, dysfunction and involvement in
inflammation, renovascular hypertension, and leukocyte homing to the
renal microvasculature.
-
Studies on basic and clinical aspects of kidney
ablation, including experimental models and mechanisms of allograft
rejection/tolerance, mechanisms of action of immunosuppression,
biomarkers, immunogenetics, chronic allograft nephropathy, prevention
and/or treatment of complications, and immunoregulatory protocols for
prevention and/or treatment of rejection.
-
Identification of biomarkers in renal disease,
including both genomic and proteomic approaches.
-
Diabetic nephropathy.
-
Pathogenesis and manifestations of cystic kidney
disease.
-
Complications and management of uremia, including
renal replacement therapies (including dialysis), the pathogenesis and
consequences of abnormalities of the vascular or peritoneal access for
dialysis therapy, metabolic and nutritional consequences of kidney
disease (including those leading to uremic manifestations), and acquired
cystic diseases.
-
In vitro and animal models that
investigate the molecular basis of “gene-environment” interactions
related to the renal system focused on putative environmental
susceptibility genes, and toxicogenetics.
PBKD has the
following shared interests within the RUS IRG:
-
With Cellular and Molecular Biology of the Kidney
[CMBK]: (1) Proteinuria and
nephrotic syndrome. Studies of renal salt and water handling in
the pathogenesis of edema could be assigned to CMBK, whereas studies of
the pathogenesis of proteinuria and clinical studies of the metabolic
and nutritional consequences of the nephrotic syndrome could be assigned
to PBKD. (2) Progression of renal disease. Applications that address
cell physiology, including cell signaling, trafficking, polarity,
transport or channel properties could be assigned to CMBK. Those
dealing with factors that influence the progression and whole organ
pathophysiology, whether clinical or in experimental models are most
appropriate for PBKD. (3) Renal hemodynamics. Hypertension
resulting from, or causing, changes in cell physiology, transport, or
channel abnormalities
contributing to
the development of hypertension could be assigned to CMBK.
Applications that focus on the genetics of renal hypertension or its
influence on vascular cells (endothelial and smooth muscle cells) in the
kidney leading to abnormal vascular regulation could be assigned to
CMBK. Applications related to the effects of hypertension on the
kidney or changes in hemodynamics related to hypertension could be
assigned to PBKD. (4) Identification of biomarkers in renal
disease. Applications related to the molecular nature of proteins
causing renal disease and its relationship with epithelial cells could
be assigned to CMBK. Studies of biomarkers derived from the kidney
to inform understanding of the diagnosis/treatment of kidney diseases as
well as those related to genetic disorders of the glomerulus and blood
vessels could be assigned to PBKD. (5) Diabetic nephropathy.
Applications dealing with cell physiology, including cell signaling,
trafficking, polarity, transport or channel properties could be assigned
to CMBK. Those that address factors that influence the
susceptibility to diabetic
nephropathy,
its initiation, progression, and pathophysiology (whether clinical or in
in vivo or in
vitro experimental models) are most appropriate for PBKD. (6)
Pathogenesis and manifestations of cystic kidney disease.
Molecular and clinical genetic studies in humans and animal models are
more appropriate for CMBK as are studies of the transport properties of
cystic epithelia. Clinical and basic studies of the effects of
cystic diseases on renal function could be assigned to PBKD.
-
With Urologic and Kidney Development and
Genitourinary Diseases [UKGD]: (1) Problems of divalent
ion metabolism and stone formation following renal transplantation could
be reviewed by PBKD if the application emphasizes renal physiology or
pathology. Applications designed to resolve post-transplant obstructive
complications, bladder reconstruction, kidney stone formation or other
urological issues could be reviewed by UKGD. (2) In general, these studies will be assigned to
UKGD, except when the lower urinary tract is involved in a disorder
affecting the kidney, and for which PBKD has specific expertise (e.g.,
vasculitic syndromes, systemic lupus
erythematosus).
PBKD has
the following shared interests outside the RUS IRG:
-
With the Biological Chemistry and Macromolecular
Biophysics [BCMB] IRG:
Studies of metalloproteinases in kidney physiology or pathophysiology
could be assigned to PBKD. If the structure/function of
metalloproteinases is the main focus, the application could be assigned
to the BCMB IRG. Studies that focus on renal bioenergetics in
renal damage, acute renal failure or diabetic nephropathy could be
reviewed in PBKD. Studies designed to address only general
principles of bioenergetics and that use kidney elements primarily as a
convenient source of material, may be considered under the auspices of
the BCMB IRG.
-
With the Cell Biology [CB] IRG: (1) When the focus of the application
is on glomerular cell and structural biology and the interaction with
the extracellular matrix, assignment could be to PBKD. If the
application uses glomerular cells to study a universal process in cell
biology, assignment could be to the CB IRG. (2) Applications that
focus on the general process of fibrosis and scarring could be assigned
to the CB IRG. Fibrosis of the renal interstitium resulting from
glomerular and/or tubular diseases could be assigned to PBKD. (3)
Applications that focus on the development of proteinuria, which may
involve alterations in the biology of glomerular cells and/or
cell-matrix interactions, could be assigned to PBKD. Studies of
basic cell injury or death (with protein leakage), could be assigned to
the CB IRG. (4) Applications dealing with toxin-mediated, acute or
chronic cell injury within the kidney, including proton secretion and
water transport, could be assigned to PBKD. Use of toxins to probe
general cellular activities, such as membrane transport or trafficking
or to determine the function of cellular organelles could be assigned to
CB.
-
With the Biology of Development and Aging [BDA]
IRG: Studies of the kidney and aging are shared
with the BDA IRG. Basic and clinical studies on aging that address
questions specifically applicable to the kidney may be assigned to
PBKD. Studies that use the kidney as a model to address questions
having broad applicability for the biology of aging, or studies
involving the kidney and interactions with age-related changes in other
physiological systems could be assigned to the BDA IRG.
-
With the Bioengineering Sciences and Technologies
[BST] IRG: Applications focused
on the use of genomic and proteomic data to identify biomarkers in renal
disease could be assigned to PBKD. If the primary focus is
combining experimental validation and modeling technology or related
analyses of biological data, i.e., bioinformatics, or basic methodology
for data management and analysis, assignment could be to the BST IRG.
-
With the Health of the Population [HOP]
IRG: Studies directed at proteinuria and nephrotic
syndrome as risk factors could be assigned to the HOP IRG. Studies
of the pathogenesis of proteinuria and clinical studies of the metabolic
and nutritional consequences of the nephrotic syndrome could be assigned
to PBKD.
-
With the Immunology [IMM]
IRG: (1) Studies of
autoimmunity and humoral and cellular immune responses that focus on
renal or urinary tract function could be assigned to PBKD.
These include clinical and animal studies of glomerulonephritis,
interstitial nephritis, lupus nephritis and vasculitic syndromes as they
affect the kidneys and urinary tract. Immunological events leading
to autoimmunity could be assigned to the IMM IRG. (2) Applications
dealing with transplantation immunology (e.g., rejection/tolerance)
could be assigned to the IMM IRG. Applications that focus on the
functional consequences of kidney transplantation could be assigned to
PBKD.
-
With the Hematology [HEME] IRG: Studies of blood cells could be assigned to
the HEME IRG. Studies of renal injury caused by blood cells or
blood cell migration into the kidney could be assigned to PBKD.
-
With the Cardiovascular Sciences [CVS]
IRG: (1) Applications addressing general vascular
problems, including proliferation, could be assigned to the CVS
IRG. Applications to investigate the vascular biology of renal
vessels could be assigned to PBKD. Applications that consider
problems related to vascular access for hemodialysis could be assigned
to PBKD. (2) Studies directed at the mechanisms of atherogenesis
could be assigned to the CVS IRG. Applications that focus on renal
injury as a result of atherogenesis, including proteinuria and nephrotic
syndrome, could be assigned to PBKD. (3) PBKD may be assigned
applications that involve basic and clinical studies of the
complications of decreased renal function and manifestations of
uremia. Applications where uremia reflects an abnormality of the
cardiovascular system may be best assigned to
the CVS IRG.
(4) Assignment of applications related to hypertension, including the
role of renal hemodynamics, tubular function, and renal humoral/hormonal
agents, may be made to either the CVS IRG or PBKD based on the central
focus of the study. Other aspects of renal hemodynamics, tubular
function, and renal humoral/hormonal agents as they affect renal
function may be assigned to PBKD. Clinical studies of hypertension
would generally be assigned to the CVS IRG, but hypertension associated
with renal insufficiency or end-stage renal disease would be assigned to
PBKD.
-
With the Endocrinology, Metabolism, Nutrition and
Reproductive Sciences (EMNR) IRG:
(1) Proteinuria and
nephritic syndrome. Studies directed at the mechanisms of
hyperlipidemia could be assigned to the EMNR IRG. If hyperlipidemia is
studied as a possible cause of renal disease, the application could be
assigned to PBKD. (2) Diabetic nephropathy.
Applications dealing with factors that influence the susceptibility to
diabetic nephropathy, its initiation, progression and pathophysiology
may be appropriately assigned to PBKD. Applications that focus on
extra-renal manifestations of diabetes could be assigned to the EMNR
IRG. Basic and clinical studies of the metabolic or nutritional
complications arising from kidney disease and leading to manifestations
of uremia could be reviewed in PBKD if the focus is on renal function. Applications that focus on generalized effects
of nutrient metabolism in diabetic nephropathy and diabetes induced
metabolic abnormalities may be assigned to the EMNR IRG.
-
With the Digestive Sciences [DIG]
IRG: Because the kidney and the liver are major
organs involved in the metabolism of drugs, shared interests exist in
transport mechanisms, drug therapy and toxicity. If the metabolism
or toxicity is mediated by the kidney or affects the kidney, the
application could be assigned to PBKD. Studies could be
assigned to DIG when the kinetics, dynamics and mechanisms address
disposition and effects of drugs where multiple organ systems are
involved, or where the hepatic and/or gastrointestinal activities
dominate.
-
With the Surgical Sciences, Biomedical Imaging, and
Bioengineering [SBIB] IRG: (1) The SBIB IRG would be an appropriate
assignment for surgical aspects of transplantation and issues involving
recovery of organs for transplantation and organ preservation.
Transplantation applications with direct implications for kidney
function could be reviewed in the PBKD Study Section. (2) Studies
of biomarkers derived from the kidney to inform understanding and
diagnosis/treatment of kidney diseases could be assigned to PBKD.
Studies of markers of function, such as might be developed for the
radiological diagnosis of distribution of renal blood flow or epithelial
cell function, could be assigned to the SBIB IRG. (3) Cell-cell
interactions that determine functional alterations resulting from both
acute and chronic events in the kidney could be assigned to PBKD.
Studies primarily dealing with surgical outcomes or with applied radiologic
imaging could be assigned to the SBIB IRG.
[Back to
Top]
Urologic and
Kidney Development and Genitourinary Diseases [UKGD]
[UKGD
Roster]
The Urologic and Kidney Development and Genitourinary
Diseases [UKGD] study section reviews grant applications concerning normal
and abnormal development of the kidney, urinary tract, and male genital
system and physiologic and pathophysiologic processes of cells and tissues
of the bladder, prostate, ureter, urethra, male reproductive organs, penis
and male and female pelvic floor. This encompasses: 1) responses of
uroepithelial tissues and cells to infectious bacteria and other
pathologic insults; 2) mechanisms of renal stone formation and prevention;
3) normal development of the kidney, urinary tract, and male genital
system; 4) normal and pathophysiological processes of the urinary tract
and male genital system; 5) application of new technologies and
methodologies to the diagnosis and treatment of urologic diseases; 6)
novel approaches to regeneration and tissue engineering of the kidney,
urinary tract and male genital system; and 7) clinical assessment of
genitourinary diseases including urinary incontinence and pelvic floor
dysfunction.
Specific
areas covered by UKGD:
-
Development, cell
growth, differentiation, aging, and pre-neoplastic conditions in the
kidney and the urinary tract and male genital system. This includes:
genetic and environmental mechanisms controlling growth,
differentiation, and development (including the embryonic origin,
commitment, differentiation, and fate) of all cell types in the kidney,
urinary tract, and male genital system; cell and tissue interactions
that regulate organ development; inductive mechanisms of tissue and
organ development; lineage determination; pattern formation; morphogens,
cytokines, hormones, and cell cycle mechanisms that control normal and
abnormal growth and differentiation; nuclear and mitochondrial
mechanisms responsible for aging; and signals underlying
senescence.
-
Responses to, and
consequences of, microbial infection and inflammation in the urinary
tract and male genital system. This includes proposals to elucidate the
molecular basis of acute and recurrent urinary tract infections.
Included are studies that focus on: 1) understanding the mechanism by
which inflammatory processes of the urinary tract and male genital
system relate to disease; and 2) understanding the molecular and
cellular consequences of host-pathogen interactions (including E. coli and other microbial pathogens) and
inflammatory processes in the urinary tract including angiogenesis,
signaling pathways, apoptosis, and innate immune responses.
Diseases include urinary tract infection, interstitial cystitis,
prostatitis, pyelonephritis, and local inflammatory responses.
-
Divalent ion
metabolism/stones. This area relates to mechanisms of stone formation
(including metabolic dysregulation, etiologic agents and divalent
cations); natural inhibitors of stone formation; stone detection,
treatment and prevention; and effects of stone treatment on cells of the
kidney, urinary tract, and male genital
system.
-
Function and dysfunction of
the bladder, ureter, and urethra. This includes: basic and preclinical
studies of hypertrophic muscle growth; contractile dysfunction; effects
of aging; prostatic hyperplasia and obstruction; pediatric conditions
(such as posterior urethral valve disorders, obstructive uropathy,
vesico-ureteral reflux and bladder exstrophy); pelvic pain syndromes;
neurogenic syndromes; spinal cord influences on bladder function and
feedback regulation; cell and tissue interactions; and signal
transduction mechanisms as they relate to urologic diseases or
conditions.
-
Function and
dysfunction of the prostate. This includes: basic and preclinical
studies of the relationship between pre-neoplastic conditions and frank
neoplasia; development and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia;
stroma-epithelial interactions and cell signaling; signal transduction
mechanisms as they relate to prostate cell growth and survival
(including steroid-mediated signaling mechanisms); and cell-matrix
interactions.
-
Male and female incontinence
and pelvic floor dysfunction. This area
relates to the problems of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ
prolapse and organ, tissue, cellular, and molecular mechanisms affecting
incontinence and pelvic organ function. It includes studies of:
normal structure, function and biomechanics as applied to the urethra,
bladder and their supporting tissues. Studies of smooth and
striated muscles, connective tissue, and nerves supplying the pelvic
floor are considered relevant, as are studies of normal development,
injuries sustained during childbirth, and deterioration that occurs with
age and disease.
-
Male reproductive
tract. This area includes basic and clinical studies related to
normal and abnormal function of the testis, epididymis, vas deferens, and seminal vesicles.
Studies of the effects of disease, environment, and pharmacologic agents
on these organs are included.
-
Sexual dysfunction.
This area includes basic and preclinical studies of both female and male
normal sexual function and dysfunction (e.g., erectile dysfunction or
anorgasmia) as well as the effects of: disease (such as diabetes and
cardiovascular disease), toxic environments (e.g., cigarette smoking),
and licit and illicit drugs on sexual function.
-
Cell and gene therapy
of the kidney or genitourinary tract. This area includes technologies,
animal models, and human studies that utilize cell and gene therapy to
alter or repair abnormal functions of the kidney, urinary tract, and
male genital system.
-
Regeneration and
tissue engineering of the kidney, urinary tract, and male genital
system. This area includes: 1) stem
cell biology and cellular therapeutics as they relate to the kidney,
urinary tract, and male genital system (including differentiation of
embryonic and adult stem cells into the various kidney, urinary tract,
and male genital system cell types); 2) artificial scaffolding,
biopolymers, and vector systems to generate specific tissues and/or
organs, epithelial and vascular repair and remodeling in response to
injury; and 3) novel cell and gene therapies.
-
Clinical research and
outcomes. This includes: investigator-initiated clinical trials and
other human research studies that involve urologic diseases and
disorders.Molecular and cell biology of bone, cartilage, tendon, and
ligament injury and repair.
-
Application of novel
technologies to studies of the genitourinary tract. This includes the
application of new technologies (including proteomics, microarrays and
nanotechnology) to characterize disease states; develop and validate new
clinical, diagnostic, or prognostic tests; and evaluate treatment
outcomes.
UKGD has the
following shared interests within the RUS IRG:
-
With
Cellular and Molecular Biology of the Kidney [CMBK]: Applications related to
abnormal transport systems and membrane biology related to mineral
balance could be assigned to CMBK. Applications related to
pathogenesis of stone formation, the effects of stones, and their
treatment could be assigned to UKGD.
-
With Pathobiology of Kidney
Disease [PBKD]: (1) Problems of divalent ion
metabolism and stone formation following renal transplantation could be
reviewed by PBKD if the application emphasizes renal physiology or
pathology. Applications designed to resolve post-transplant obstructive
complications, bladder reconstruction, kidney stone formation or other
urological issues could be reviewed by UKGD. (2) In general, these studies will be assigned to
UKGD except when the lower urinary tract is involved in a disorder
affecting the kidney, and for which PBKD has specific expertise (e.g.,
vasculitic syndromes, systemic lupus erythematosus).
UKGD has the
following shared interests outside the RUS IRG:
-
With the Biological Chemistry
and Macromolecular Biophysics [BCMB] IRG: Studies
examining divalent metal metabolism that address questions directly
relevant to the physiology or pathology of the genitourinary tract are
appropriate for UKGD. Studies designed to address
general metallobiochemistry or divalent metal metabolism not
directly related to genitourinary tract function] may be considered under
the auspices of the BCMB IRG. Studies of metalloproteinases in
genitourinary organ physiology or pathophysiology could be assigned to
UKGD. If the structure/function of metalloproteinases is the main
focus, the BCMB IRG could be assigned the application. In general, studies
of genitourinary tract structure and function that use primarily
biophysical techniques (e.g., X-ray crystallography, electron
microscopy/image reconstruction, electron spin resonance, and single
molecular techniques) would be assigned to the BCMB IRG.
-
With the Genes,
Genomes and Genetics [GGG] IRG: Studies directed at
therapeutic approaches to genetic disease(s) of the kidney or genitourinary
tract, including gene and protein replacement therapy, could be assigned to the
UKGD. Assignment could be to the GGG IRG if the question(s)
addressed are applicable to multiple diseases or organ systems, or if the study involves an
emerging approach for which expertise resides only in the GGG
IRG.
-
With the Biology of
Development and Aging [BDA] IRG: (1) The BDA IRG may be assigned applications on basic, early
developmental mechanisms involved in formation of organ primordia.
Development of organs such as the bladder, kidney or prostate may be
assigned to UKGD. Studies involving differentiation of kidney
physiology or the physiology and function of other developed organs
(such as the bladder or prostate) may also be assigned to UKGD.
Overlapping interests with BDA IRG may include stem cells, apoptosis,
and regulation of cell cycle. (2) Studies primarily focused on a single
organ or system, such as the renal or urological systems, or a specific
disease in which age-related interactions or changes of function are a
minor or secondary component could be assigned to UKGD. Studies in
which the focus is aging, particularly those that transcend single organ
systems or disciplines, could be assigned to
BDA
-
With the
Bioengineering Sciences and Technologies [BST] IRG: (1) Applications focused on specific kidney or
genitourinary stem cell or gene transfer therapies are relevant to
UKGD. Applications focused on developing stem cell and gene transfer
technologies to introduce genes and drugs in a general context are
relevant to BST IRG. (2) Applications focused on the use of genomic or
proteomic data in characterizing genitourinary tract diseases or
developing diagnostic or prognostic tests for these diseases could be
assigned to PBKD. If the primary focus is combining experimental
validation and modeling technology or related analyses of biological data
(i.e., bioinformatics), or basic methodology for data management and
analysis, assignment could be to the BST IRG. (3) Applications that use
nanotechnology for genitourinary tract diagnostic procedures may be
assigned to UKGD. Where the dominant emphasis of the proposal is the
technology or instrumentation the proposal may be assigned to BST. (4)
Applications focused on the use of medical implant
materials for
genitourinary tract disorders and dysfunctions may be assigned to UKGD.
Applications on general biocompatibility and new material development
could be assigned to the BST IRG.
-
With the Health
of the Population [HOP] IRG: Applications on the
complex epidemiology of renal or urology health or disease should be
assigned to the HOP IRG.
-
With the
Immunology [IMM] IRG: Studies of
inflammatory processes or innate immunity when the focus is on urinary
tract function could be assigned to UKGD. When the focus is
on the immune system assignment could be to the IMM IRG.
-
With the
Infectious Diseases and Microbiology [IDM] IRG: Studies of microbial genetics, bacteriology and
investigations focused on urologically pathogenic microbes could be
assigned to the IDM IRG. Basic and clinical studies focused on
understanding the functional consequences of such host-pathogen
interactions and how they relate to outcome, clinical syndromes, or host
responses could be assigned to UKGD.
-
With the
Oncological Sciences [ONC] IRG: Investigation of malignant transformation and
progression focused on mechanisms applicable to neoplastic processes in
general, could be assigned to the ONC IRG. Applications focused on
malignant transformation or progression in the context of urinary tract
or kidney development or disease, or comparisons of benign and malignant
cells of kidney, urinary tract, or male genital system for the purpose
of understanding normal or benign processes in these organs could be
assigned to UKGD. In addition, certain genes and their products
are involved in both neoplastic and developmental process (e.g. WT1 and
VHL). Therefore, certain applications that focus on the role of such
genes on kidney or urogenital gene regulation, or on normal or abnormal
development of the kidney, urinary tract, or male genital system could
be assigned to UKGD. When applications focus on the role of such
genes in neoplasia they could be assigned to the ONC
IRG.
-
With the
Endocrinology, Metabolism, Nutrition and Reproductive Sciences [EMNR]
IRG: There is shared interest between three study sections,
the Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology (MCE) and the Cellular, Molecular
and Integrative Reproductive Sciences (CMIR) in the EMNR IRG, and
UKGD. The areas of shared interest include 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), while
the focus of UKGD is urology (e.g., Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH),
including its effect on urinary tract function), and the focus in MCE is
on fundamental mechanisms of hormone action (e.g., mechanisms of
testosterone signal
transduction as found in the prostate). An
application on the non-cancer prostate can be reviewed in any one of at
least three study sections depending on the primary focus.
Similarly, while CMIR will review the full spectrum of reproductive
sciences, including cellular, molecular and clinical studies, UKGD could
review research in clinical urology, particularly in the areas of male
infertility and sexual function.
-
With the
Musculoskeletal, Oral and Skin Sciences [MOSS] IRG: Basic research studies of the development or
mechanism of action of bone, muscle and connective tissue could be
assigned to the MOSS IRG. Studies of the role of bone, muscle and
connective tissue in normal or pathological states of the urological
system could be assigned to UKGD.
-
With the
Surgical Sciences, Biomedical Imaging, and Bioengineering [SBIB]
IRG: Applications can be
referred to UKGD when the emphasis is on using imaging systems to obtain
structural or functional information, or used in diagnosis or therapy,
of the genitourinary track. When the emphasis of an application is
on the design, development or validation of medical imaging systems,
their components, or software, assignment could be to the SBIB
IRG. Studies involving tissue engineering could be referred to
UKGD or the SBIB IRG depending on the focus of the study, with UKGD
focused on specific applications to the genitourinary track. When
the emphasis is on the integration of physical, chemical, mathematical
or engineering principles in the design and development of engineered
constructs assignment could be to the SBIB
IRG.
-
With the Integrative,
Functional and Cognitive Neuroscience [IFCN] IRG: There is a shared
interest in neuronal mechanisms of pain in conditions such as
interstitial cystitis and prostatitis. Applications focusing on
the encoding or modulation of pain in the nervous system could be
assigned to the IFCN IRG. Applications on the central nervous
system regulation of urological function where pain is not the central
focus could be assigned to UKGD.
-
With the Brain
Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience [BDCN] IRG: Applications may be assigned to BDCN if
neurogenic bladder or other bladder problems are secondary to spinal cord
injury. Other aspects of central nervous system regulation of
urological function where pain is not the central focus could be assigned
to UKGD.
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Renal and
Urological Sciences Small Business Activities [SBIR/STTR] Special Emphasis
Panel [RUS Small Business SEP]
[SBIR/STTR Study Section Rosters]
The Renal and Urological Sciences Small Business
Activities Special Emphasis Panel [RUS Small Business SEP] will review
SBIR and STTR grant applications that focus primarily on kidney, urinary
tract, and male genital system therapies, devices, and diagnostics.
This includes clinical, translational and fundamental studies and
investigators may employ a range of approaches that include genetics,
genomics and proteomics, molecular, cell, and computational biology,
biochemistry, biophysics and bioengineering, imaging, analyses of model
organisms, and human studies.
Specific
areas covered by the RUS Small Business SEP:
- Development and evaluation of new techniques for
investigating, diagnosing and treating disorders of the kidney, urinary
tract, and male genital system;
- Development of new techniques and evaluation of the
efficacy of dialysis;
- Application of new technologies and methodologies to
the diagnosis and treatment of urologic diseases;
- Novel approaches to regeneration and tissue
engineering of the kidney, urinary tract and male genital system;
and,
- Clinical assessment of genitourinary diseases
including urinary incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction.
The RUS Small Business SEP has the following shared
interests outside the RUS IRG:
-
With the Biological Chemistry
and Macromolecular Biophysics [BCMB] IRG:
Studies examining the structure and function
of membranes or proteins involved in kidney physiology or
pathophysiology could be assigned to the RUS Small Business SEP.
Studies examining the general principles of membrane or protein
structure and function that use renal tissue as a convenient source of
material could be assigned to the BCMB IRG.
-
With the Biology of
Development and Aging [BDA] IRG: Applications studying the use of stem cell
technology for renal or genitourinary tract specific issues could be
assigned to the RUS Small Business SEP. BDA may be considered for
more general developmental studies. Applications that use human
embryonic stem cells might also be clustered in the BDA IRG, even if
studying renal or urological system specific
issues.
-
With the Risk, Prevention, and
Health Behavior [RPHB] and the Health of the Population [HOP]
IRGs: Studies of behavior modification, including patient
health education or training, directed toward the prevention and
treatment of renal and urological system diseases, including
psychological aspects, could be assigned to the RPHB IRG, or to the HOP
IRG, depending on the level of analysis and the nature of the
intervention. Applications on the diseases, disorders, or
functional consequences of behaviors could be assigned to the RUS Small
Business SEP. Health education or training directed to the health
care provider, not the patient, should also be assigned to the RUS Small
Business SEP.
-
With the Oncological Sciences
[ONC] IRG: Studies of diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and
epidemiology of renal or urological cancers, including prostate cancer,
would be assigned to the ONC IRG or to the HOP IRG, depending on the
level of analysis. Applications focusing upon large numbers of persons
or aggregates of persons would be assigned to the HOP IRG. Applications
focusing on dysplasia and hyperplasia should be considered by the RUS
Small Business SEP or to the HOP IRG, depending upon the level of
analysis and the number of persons studied.
-
With the
Surgical Sciences, Biomedical Imaging, and Bioengineering [SBIB]
IRG: (1) The SBIB IRG would be an appropriate
assignment of applications focused on surgical aspects of transplantation
and issues involving recovery of organs for transplantation and organ
preservation. Applications that primarily address the implications
of transplantation on kidney function could be reviewed in the RUS Small
Business SEP. (2) Studies of biomarkers derived from the kidney to
inform understanding and diagnosis/treatment of kidney diseases could be
assigned to the RUS Small Business SEP. Studies of markers of
function, such as might be developed for the radiological diagnosis of
distribution of renal blood flow or epithelial cell function, could be
assigned to the SBIB IRG. (3) Cell-cell interactions that determine
functional alterations resulting from both acute and chronic events in the
kidney could be assigned to the RUS Small Business SEP. Studies
primarily dealing with surgical outcomes or with applied radiologic
imaging could be assigned to the SBIB IRG. (4) Applications can be referred
to the RUS Small Business SEP when the emphasis is on using imaging
systems to obtain structural or functional information, or used in
diagnosis or therapy, of the genitourinary track. When the emphasis
of an application is on the design, development or validation of medical
imaging systems, their components, or software, assignment could be to the
SBIB IRG. (5) Studies involving tissue engineering could be referred
to the RUS Small Business SEP when focused on specific applications to the
genitourinary track. When the emphasis is on the integration of
physical, chemical, mathematical or engineering principles in the design
and development of engineered constructs assignment could be to the SBIB
IRG.
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