Advancing our Understanding of the Brain Epitranscriptomics (R01) | PAR 17 153

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 17 153

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity titled "Advancing our Understanding of the Brain Epitranscriptomics (R01)" (Funding Opportunity Number PAR 17 153) is a discretionary grant program that uses the R01 research project grant mechanism to support in-depth studies on RNA chemical modifications in the brain. This area of biology is often described as the "epitranscriptome," meaning the collection of chemical marks added to RNA molecules that can influence how RNAs behave without changing the underlying genetic code. The opportunity is designed to push the field beyond cataloging modifications and toward understanding what these RNA modifications actually do in brain cells and brain circuits.

At the core of the announcement is the idea that RNA modifications can shape the fate and function of both coding RNAs (like mRNAs that become proteins) and noncoding RNAs (RNAs that do not code for proteins but can regulate gene expression and cellular behavior). In the brain, where cell types are highly diverse and where activity-dependent changes are fundamental to learning, memory, and behavior, these RNA marks are increasingly viewed as an important layer of regulation. The grant encourages research that clarifies how modified RNAs contribute to basic neurobiological processes, including those that underlie behavior, and how disruptions in these processes may relate to mental disorders and substance use disorders.

A major emphasis is also placed on the proteins that manage RNA modifications, often grouped into "writers," "readers," and "erasers." Writers are enzymes that install specific chemical marks on RNA, readers recognize and bind to those marks to translate them into functional outcomes, and erasers remove marks to reverse or fine-tune the signal. Projects responsive to this opportunity can focus directly on these regulatory proteins, the modified RNA targets they affect, and the downstream consequences for neuronal function, synaptic plasticity, gene expression programs, and behavior. The intent is to stimulate mechanistic research, meaning studies that can connect an RNA modification or modification pathway to a clear functional effect in brain biology, rather than remaining purely descriptive.

This is an NIH grant opportunity in the Health and Education activity areas and is associated with CFDA numbers 93.242 and 93.279. The funding instrument is a standard grant (R01), which generally supports multi-year, hypothesis-driven research programs that can integrate molecular biology, neuroscience, and behavioral science approaches. While the source data provided does not list an award ceiling or the expected number of awards, the R01 mechanism typically supports substantial projects where investigators can build a cohesive research plan with clear aims, strong preliminary rationale, and rigorous methods.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S. organizations and governmental units. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township governments, special district governments, independent school districts, and public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities. Academic eligibility spans public and state-controlled institutions of higher education as well as private institutions of higher education. The opportunity is also open to Native American tribal governments (federally recognized) and Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments). Nonprofit organizations are eligible whether or not they have 501(c)(3) status, as long as they are not institutions of higher education. For-profit organizations (other than small businesses) and small businesses are also listed as eligible, along with an "Others" category that broadens potential applicants further.

In addition, the announcement explicitly highlights several categories of "other eligible applicants," signaling an interest in broad participation across institution types and communities. These include Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, tribal governments other than federally recognized entities, and non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations). This wide eligibility range indicates NIH is open to applications from diverse institutional settings, including those that serve historically underrepresented populations and those located outside the continental United States.

Key dates from the source data indicate the opportunity was created on 2017-02-03, with an original closing date of 2020-05-07. Even though that closing date is in the past, the summary still captures the scientific scope and applicant landscape of the initiative: an NIH-supported push to understand how RNA chemical modifications and their regulatory proteins shape brain function and behavior, with relevance to the biological mechanisms involved in mental health and substance use disorders.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Advancing our Understanding of the Brain Epitranscriptomics (R01)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.242, 93.279.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2017-02-03.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2020-05-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PAR 17 153

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