[ETTN (14) Roster]

The topics covered in ETTN 14: Developmental Biology and Aging Small Business SEP include applications in the areas of developmental biology and aging, using diverse animal and plant models or human studies, and employing approaches at a variety of levels from molecules to whole organisms.  Proposals that concern geriatric studies may transcend the boundaries of single organs or systems (e.g., in co-morbidities), and may require integrated experimental, genetic or observational approaches.  Studies may examine the basic biology of stem cells as well as strategies for their culture and differentiation in vitro and vivo.  Novel strategies for animal cloning as well as the use of genetic approaches to address developmental questions are also covered.  Projects may focus on the development of new animal models to examining development and aging as well as toxicological and teratological assays in model organisms for identification of birth defects.  Finally, the development of novel devices and monitoring devices for geriatric patients as well as pharmacological interventions for age dependent cognitive and physiological deficits are also covered.

• Basic biology of stem cells, in vitro culture of blastocysts and embryos; animal and human embryonic and adult stem cells.
• Novel strategies for animal cloning.
• Development of toxicological and teratological assays in model organisms for identification of birth defects.
• New models of development or aging: including transgenic, animal, cellular and plant models of development, birth defects, cell death, regeneration and repair, and aging/longevity.
• Methods for analysis of apoptosis and apoptotic signal imaging in relation to remodeling of organ systems during development and aging.
• Markers that may predict aging or cellular senescence; inhibitors of senescence.
• Novel devices and monitoring systems for geriatric patients.
• Interventions for age-dependent cognitive and physiological deficits in humans.

Study sections with most closely related areas of similar science listed in rank order are:

ETTN (13) – Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience Small Business SEP  
ETTN 10 - Clinical Neurophysiology, Devices, Auditory Devices and Neuroprosthesis Small Business SEP     
ETTN (11) -  Pharmacology and Diagnostics for Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Neural Systems Small Business SEP  
MOSS SBIR - Musculoskeletal, Oral and Skin Sciences Small Business Special Emphasis Panels