Exploring Novel RNA Modifications in HIV/AIDS and Substance Use Disorders (R21) | RFA DA 18 009

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA DA 18 009

The grant opportunity titled "Exploring Novel RNA Modifications in HIV/AIDS and Substance Use Disorders (R21)" (Funding Opportunity Number RFA-DA-18-009) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) discretionary grant designed to spark early-stage, exploratory research on how covalent RNA modifications influence HIV/AIDS in the context of substance use disorders (SUDs). The main scientific focus is on "epitranscriptomic" changes, meaning chemical modifications added onto RNA molecules that can alter how RNA behaves without changing the underlying genetic sequence. The FOA is especially interested in projects that can identify which RNA modifications are involved in HIV function, clarify the mechanisms behind those modifications, and explain how these processes might be affected by chronic exposure to drugs of abuse. The bigger picture goal is to generate foundational knowledge that could eventually support new therapeutic strategies for treating HIV in people who also have SUDs, a population that often faces additional clinical challenges related to adherence, immune function, inflammation, comorbidities, and treatment outcomes.

This opportunity uses the NIH R21 mechanism, which typically supports innovative, higher-risk ideas that may still be in the earlier phases of development, such as proof-of-concept studies, development or adaptation of new assays, or preliminary mapping of biological pathways. Within that exploratory framework, the FOA emphasizes research that links RNA modifications to key aspects of HIV biology and pathogenesis, while also accounting for the ways drugs or chronic drug exposure may interact with or reshape those RNA modification pathways. In practical terms, strong applications would likely propose experiments to detect and characterize specific RNA modifications (whether on viral RNA, host RNA, or both), test how those modifications change HIV replication or latency-related processes, and determine how exposure to substances could modulate the enzymes and pathways that write, erase, or read those RNA marks. The premise is that understanding these interactions could highlight new molecular targets that are particularly relevant for HIV-positive individuals with SUDs.

From an administrative standpoint, the funding instrument is a grant, and the funding activity category is listed under Education and Health, with CFDA number 93.279. The award ceiling is $200,000, indicating the maximum award amount anticipated under this announcement. The original closing date for applications was August 17, 2017, and the opportunity was created on May 12, 2017. While the posting reflects that historical deadline, the summary still captures the intent and scope of the FOA: generating novel, mechanistic insights at the intersection of HIV, RNA chemical modifications, and substance exposure that could later support more extensive translational or therapeutic development.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of applicants across public, private, nonprofit, and governmental sectors. Eligible applicants include state, county, and city/township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; Native American tribal governments (federally recognized); Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments); public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); small businesses; and other entities. The FOA also highlights additional eligible applicant categories that NIH explicitly encourages, 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), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and even non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations), as well as Indian/Native American tribal governments that are not federally recognized. Taken together, the eligibility language signals an intent to attract diverse research teams and institutions, including those serving populations disproportionately affected by HIV and substance use, and to support a wide range of scientific approaches that can move this emerging area of RNA modification biology forward.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Exploring Novel RNA Modifications in HIV/AIDS and Substance Use Disorders (R21)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.279.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2017-05-12.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2017-08-17. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $200,000.00 in funding.
• 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 RFA DA 18 009

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