The NIDA Center for Genetics, Genomics, and Epigenetics of Substance Use Disorders in Outbred Rats focuses on quantitative genetic studies of a range of psychologically complex drug abuse-related phenotypes. The purpose of the pilot projects is to broaden the impact of this center and to promote the use of heterogeneous stock (HS) rats.
The NIDA Center for Genetic Studies of Drug Abuse in Outbred Rats (P50DA037844) is soliciting pilot projects that would use heterogeneous stock (HS) rats to collect preliminary data to be used for applications to NIDA. The center focuses on quantitative genetic studies of a range of psychologically complex drug abuse-related phenotypes.
Our most recent endeavor is called RATTACA. This approach uses genetic prediction to identify rats that would exhibit extreme phenotypes for addiction-related traits that we have previously studied. This prediction relies on the large datasets that we have already collected. We are able to predict behavioral phenotypes including locomotor activity; measures of anxiety-like behavior; delay discounting; Pavlovian Conditioned Approach; self-administration of addictive substances including heroin, cocaine, oxycodone, and nicotine; and measures of analgesia in the presence or absence of opioid drugs (see more extensive list here). We can also predict physiological measures including body weight, body length, and BMI.
We are particularly interested in receiving pilot project proposals that seek to use RATTACA to obtain cohorts that are predicted to diverge for traits of interest.
This application call issued: February 5, 2025
Area of support: This call invites applications for pilot projects using HS rats for genetic studies.
Eligibility: Assistant, Associate, and full Professors (or equivalent); junior faculty are encouraged to apply.
Deadline: there is no specific deadline for applications this year. We will accept applications on a rolling basis and issue awards 3-4 times a year, in sync with the rat colony cycle.
Letter of intent: Letters of intent allow us to give you feedback that may increase the chances that we will grant you the award.
Earliest date of shipment: July 9, 2025 (generation 106).
To apply: Please send a brief letter of intent explaining why HS rats are necessary for this project and what is the connection between the study and the NIDA Center for Genetic Studies of Drug Abuse in Outbred Rats. A letter of intent will allow us to give you feedback that may increase the chances that we will fund your application. Proposals that are judged to be meritorious and related to the goals of the center will receive an invitation to submit a full application.
Please send the letter of intent to Dr. Polesskaya ([email protected]) or submit a request for RATTACA.
IACUC approval is not needed until a decision is reached.
Proposals will be scored based on scientific merit and other criteria relevant to the goals of the Pilot Project’s Core. We will work with the awardees on details such as the exact rat number and shipping arrangements.
If you have questions, please contact the Pilot Core Director, Oksana Polesskaya, PhD ([email protected]).
Page updated: February 5, 2025