Collaborative Awards to Support Microphysiological System Pilot Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Research

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications for research on microphysiological systems (MPSs) to model type 2 diabetes. Advances in biomaterials, microfluidics, and tissue engineering have resulted in MPSs that allow for greater control of three-dimensional cell cultures containing multiple cell types and constituting more physiological tissue organization. The utility of these systems lends themselves to powerful in vitro modeling of metabolic tissue crosstalk, study of basic mechanisms of human type 2 diabetes, and the testing of prevention and treatment strategies. MPSs are especially useful for investigating the heterogeneity of human T2D biology and clinical responses. The current initiative will support small pilot studies to conceptualize aspects of T2D biology for modeling with MPSs, to support feasibility studies, and to generate preliminary data. Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. Collaborative investigations combining expertise in bioengineering, type 2 diabetes biology, and human metabolism will be encouraged and these investigators should begin considering applying for this application.