Molecular Mechanisms of Development and Reversal of Alcohol-Induced Liver Fibrosis (R21)

-Purpose. This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) issued by National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, solicits Research Grant (R21) applications from institutions/organizations that propose to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of the development as well as reversal of alcohol-induced liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis comprises excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, especially collagen, and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the primary event that triggers the process of fibrogenesis. Understanding the mechanisms of alcohol-induced liver fibrosis is important for the development of strategies for prevention and treatment of this condition. This FOA encourages applicants to test small molecules that reverse or prevent alcohol-induced liver fibrosis. -Mechanism of Support. This FOA will utilize the NIH Research Project Grant (R21) award mechanism and runs in parallel with an FOA of identical scientific scope, PA-07-360 that solicits applications under the R01 mechanism. -Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards. Because the nature and scope of the proposed research will vary from application to application, it is anticipated that the size and duration of each award will also vary. The total amount awarded and the number of awards will depend upon the mechanism numbers, quality, duration, and costs of the applications received.