Biomarker discovery for the MURDOCK study

Release date: December 5, 2008

Application Deadline: January 30, 2009 (for April 1 funding)

Background

The Duke Translational Medicine Institute has funds available through the MURDOCK study to support research projects in biomarker discovery. These projects represent the second wave of research sponsored in Horizon 1 of the MURDOCK study, whose overarching goal is to reclassify health and disease through the integrated analysis of multiple Omics-scale technologies (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics) and clinical data across multiple disease states.

Amount and Duration of the Award

The budget for this RFA is approximately $2 million and we anticipate funding 4-6 proposals. The funding is intended to cover -Omic data generation and salary support for project management and data analysis for up to a two-year period.

Eligibility

These awards are available to investigators with extant patient cohorts that include associated clinical data and biospecimens (serum/plasma, whole blood, PBMCs, RNA, DNA, tissues). This RFA is not intended to fund the collection of new patient populations or specimens.

Research projects must be aligned with the goals of the MURDOCK study and as such, must be focused on predicting clinically-relevant disease endpoints (i.e. treatment response, disease progression). Studies solely focused on detecting predisposition markers for disease, or those designed solely to learn about the biological mechanism of disease will not be considered. Projects deemed non-responsive to this RFA will be returned without further review.

Examples of projects funded in the past include:

1. Imaging and proteomic markers predicting disease progression in osteoarthritis
2. Proteomic signatures predictive of treatment response in Hepatitis C infection
3. Metabolomic, genomic and proteomic markers predictive of incident myocardial infarction among subjects with coronary artery disease
4. Metabolomic markers predicting lipid and glucose response to weight change

All -Omic assays will be run at the new North Carolina Research Campus Core Laboratory located in Kannapolis (http://www.ncresearchcampus.net/). Studies should propose to utilize multiple available -Omic platforms including proteomics, metabolomics, genotyping, expression profiling, as well as imaging, immune monitoring and others.

Investigators who have appropriate cohorts and important clinical questions to address, but who have little prior experience with -Omics technologies are still encouraged to apply, but should consult with the MURDOCK Horizon 1 Research Director during proposal development.

Tremendous value will also come from the ability to look at -Omic data across multiple disease states and the MURDOCK study will aim to facilitate this type of research. Therefore, investigators receiving MURDOCK funds must also be willing to contribute data generated from these funds to a shared, integrated database that may be accessed by other investigators. In exchange, applicants will also be able to apply for access to data generated across all Horizon 1 research projects that can be used for ancillary studies (funded through a separate mechanism).

Application Procedures

An application form can be found here. Forms should be prepared in electronic format and submitted to Murdock-H1@duke.edu by the close of business on January 30, 2009. Also include a copy of a current CV for the principle investigator. Detailed budgets and timelines will be requested later for selected proposals.

Review Process

Applications will undergo scientific review in February and March, with final approval given by the MURDOCK study Executive Committee.

Progress Reports and Review

A progress report is required at the end of the first year, and a final report is required at the end of the funding cycle. Interim review of progress against goals at the end of the first year will be used to determine continued funding into year 2.

Investigators will also be expected to provide quarterly updates and present their research progress in regular MURDOCK study meetings.

Dates

Applications due: January 30, 2009 Funding to begin: April 1, 2009

Questions?

For questions about this award program, contact:

Jeanette McCarthy, PhD
MURDOCK Horizon 1 Research Director
Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy
Duke University Medical Center, Box 3471
Durham NC 27710
Phone: (919) 668-5413
Fax: (919) 668-6787
E-mail: jeanette.mccarthy@duke.edu