Phenotypic and Functional Characterization of ApoE2 to Inform Translation Strategies for Aging-Related Conditions (R01) | PAR 16 370

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 16 370

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity titled "Phenotypic and Functional Characterization of ApoE2 to Inform Translation Strategies for Aging-Related Conditions (R01)" (Funding Opportunity Number PAR-16-370) is a discretionary research grant solicitation that supports health-related research focused on apolipoprotein E (ApoE), with particular emphasis on the ApoE e2 allele. The central goal is to fund basic and translational studies that clarify how ApoE2 differs from other ApoE variants at the physiological, cellular, and molecular levels, and how those differences help explain ApoE2s distinct relationships with longevity and with risk or resilience across a range of age-related diseases. The broader intent is practical: by understanding what ApoE2 does differently (and why), researchers can identify intervention strategies that reproduce the beneficial effects linked to ApoE2 while minimizing or avoiding any harmful side effects that might also be associated with this variant.

This opportunity is built around the idea that ApoE genetic variation can meaningfully influence aging trajectories and disease vulnerability, and that the ApoE2 variant may provide a useful biological "template" for protective mechanisms. Projects responsive to this announcement would generally aim to map out phenotypes associated with ApoE2, define functional mechanisms behind those phenotypes, and connect those mechanisms to disease pathways relevant to aging. That can include examining how ApoE2 alters cellular behavior, tissue-level physiology, or systemic processes that change with age, and then translating those insights into credible therapeutic targets. In other words, the research is not limited to describing associations; it is meant to push toward mechanistic understanding that can inform interventions designed to prevent, delay, or reduce the severity of aging-related conditions by mimicking ApoE2-linked protective biology.

The funding instrument is the NIH R01, which typically supports hypothesis-driven research projects led by an experienced investigator or investigative team. The activity category is health, and the CFDA number listed is 93.866, which corresponds to NIH aging research programs. While the provided source text does not specify an award ceiling or the number of expected awards, the emphasis is clearly on supporting a portfolio of studies that collectively improve the field's ability to translate ApoE2 biology into actionable strategies for aging-related disease prevention or mitigation.

Eligibility is broad and includes many common applicant types such as state, county, and local governments; public and private institutions of higher education; independent school districts; special district governments; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education in those categories); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. The announcement also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicants, including 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); Indian/Native American Tribal Governments that are not federally recognized; eligible federal agencies; faith-based or community-based organizations; regional organizations; non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations); and U.S. territories or possessions. This wide eligibility signals NIH interest in drawing from diverse scientific environments and populations, which can be especially relevant for genetics-informed aging research where population diversity and varied research infrastructures may strengthen findings and translation.

Administratively, the opportunity was created on 2016-07-15, and the original closing date listed in the source data is 2019-09-07. The sponsor agency is the National Institutes of Health. Overall, the announcement is best understood as a targeted R01 mechanism intended to deepen mechanistic knowledge of ApoE2-driven differences in aging biology and to turn that knowledge into concrete therapeutic ideas, with a strong emphasis on capturing beneficial ApoE2-like effects while carefully accounting for, and avoiding, potential adverse consequences.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Phenotypic and Functional Characterization of ApoE2 to Inform Translation Strategies for Aging-Related Conditions (R01)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.866.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2016-07-15.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2019-09-07. (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.

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