Cellular and Molecular Biology of Complex Brain Disorders (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The "Cellular and Molecular Biology of Complex Brain Disorders" grant (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) is a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) promoting research into the biological basis of high risk factors tied to complex brain disorders. These are focused on the inner workings of cells, communication between cells and neurological circuits. "Complex" in this context refers to either or both multifaceted risk contribution (e.g., the blending of genetic and environmental factors) or the widely diverse functional characteristics of the brain disorder.

Researchers are encouraged to carry out investigations that either generate or test hypotheses. Their studies may use living organisms, laboratory settings, or experiments conducted in the actual location where the organism or particular specie lives and grows. These also include model organisms or human cell-based experiments.

Investigators have the choice to apply behavioral paradigms and outcome measures in their research to further describe the microcellular to macrocellular mechanisms of the brain. However, there's no strict need to do so nor is it expected. They should refrain from trying to model disorders but instead focus on unravelling the influence of single or multiple risk factors on the neurobiology such as the affected molecular and cellular constituents and their interactions with specific biological processes. Basics of these factors, cells, and processes can be included.

The results of these studies should be shared with enough specific detail to supplement common databases or large scale data resources like the Gene Ontology, Synaptic Gene Ontology, and FAIR Data Informatics. This is envisioned to fill the void between identifying disease risk factors, understanding the biological mechanism, and recognizing possible therapeutic targets.

This announcement aims to welcome R21 applications for exploratory research that's in the early stages or carries a high risk.