Shedding light on the dark genome: Long Non-coding RNA in Cardiovascular, Lung, Blood, and Sleep Research (R01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | RFA HL 19 011

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA HL 19 011

This NIH grant opportunity (RFA-HL-19-011) supports R01 research projects focused on human long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a major part of the "dark genome" that does not code for proteins but can strongly influence how genes are turned on and off. The central aim is to deepen understanding of how lncRNAs shape gene regulatory networks that drive normal biology (homeostasis) and disease across Heart, Lung, Blood, and Sleep (HLBS) research areas. In practical terms, the FOA is looking for mechanistic and functional studies that clarify what specific human lncRNAs do, how they interact with other molecular players, and how these interactions affect pathways relevant to cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic, and sleep-related health and disease.

The award mechanism is an NIH R01, which typically funds discrete, hypothesis-driven research programs, and the announcement explicitly states "Clinical Trial Not Allowed," meaning applicants should not propose a clinical trial as part of the funded work. The activity falls under NIH health research funding and aligns with multiple CFDA numbers (93.233, 93.837, 93.838, 93.839), reflecting the broad HLBS mission space. The posted award ceiling is $250,000 (as provided in the source data), indicating an upper limit stated in the opportunity information.

Eligibility is broad and includes many common applicant types across academia, government, and the nonprofit/for-profit sectors. Eligible applicants include state, county, and city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; and a range of nonprofit organizations (both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3), excluding institutions of higher education where specified). For-profit organizations (other than small businesses) and small businesses are also eligible, along with other applicant categories NIH may recognize.

The FOA also highlights additional eligible applicant groups and institution types, emphasizing inclusion of organizations that serve historically underrepresented communities or have distinctive governance structures. These explicitly listed groups include Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), eligible federal government agencies, faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, Indian/Native American tribal governments other than federally recognized ones, and U.S. territories or possessions.

On the foreign participation rules, the announcement draws an important distinction. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and non-U.S. foreign institutions are not eligible to apply as the primary applicant organization. However, non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are eligible, and foreign components (as defined by the NIH Grants Policy Statement) are allowed, meaning a U.S.-based applicant can include certain foreign activities or collaborations when justified and compliant with NIH policy.

Key administrative details in the source data include the agency (National Institutes of Health), the funding instrument type (grant), the opportunity category (discretionary), the original closing date (2018-03-30), and the creation date (2017-11-17). The listing notes expected awards but does not provide a number in the provided text. Overall, the opportunity is designed to push forward foundational and disease-relevant knowledge of human lncRNAs and their roles in HLBS gene regulation, without supporting clinical trial work under this particular FOA.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Shedding light on the dark genome: Long Non-coding RNA in Cardiovascular, Lung, Blood, and Sleep Research (R01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.233, 93.837, 93.838, 93.839.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2017-11-17.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2018-03-30. (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 $250,000.00 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 HL 19 011

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