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. The purpose of the pilot projects is to broaden the impact of this center and to promote the use of HS rats.
Our most recent endeavor is called RATTACA. RATTACA 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. 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.
We will provide up to 100 HS rats free of charge, including free shipping.
Issued: February 7, 2023
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 for letter of intent: March 1, 2023.
Letters of intent are not required but they allow us to give you feedback that may increase the chances that we will grant you the award.
Deadline for application: April 1, 2023.
Decisions announced: May 1, 2023.
Earliest date of shipment: June 1, 2023.
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]).
Full application will be requested after evaluation of the letter of intent. It should include:
- Abstract of the proposal, including a statement of relevance to the NIDA Center for Genetic Studies of Drug Abuse in Outbred Rats (up to 1/2 page).
- Specific Aims and Research Strategy (up to 2 pages total)
- Biosketche (NIH format).
- Bibliography
IACUC approval is not needed until a decision is reached.
Proposals will be scored based on scientific merit, scientific diversity, institutional diversity, and other criteria relevant to the goals of the Pilot Project’s Core. We will later work with the awardees on details such as the exact rat number and shipping arrangements.
For questions please contact Dr. Polesskaya ([email protected]).