Objective:
This program will support phenotyping of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from our Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI). Such work will facilitate future mechanistic studies and expedite drug screening and proof-of-concept testing for Parkinson’s therapeutics.
PPMI has generated and distributed iPSCs from a subset of its participants. These cell lines are coupled with robust clinical, imaging and biological data captured in the study. Recently, MJFF-funded scientists completed deep molecular phenotyping studies in dopaminergic neurons derived from these iPSCs. That data is also available.
This funding program aims to incorporate other molecular and functional phenotypic assays to further characterize the iPSCs/iPSC-derived cells from PPMI. Researchers from public and private institutions are encouraged to apply and to collaborate.
Program Priorities:
- Assessments of known PD targets and pathophysiologic pathways
- Assays to characterize functional, electrophysiological and/or neuroanatomical phenotypes
- Assays/endpoints that can be compared to biofluid data to determine the value of iPSCs as human disease models
- Comparative assessments across different cell types (e.g., neurons, glia)
- Assessments in co-culture systems to study cell autonomous and non-cell-autonomous phenotypes
- Contribution of aging to PD-relevant phenotypes
- Analyses of FOUNDIN-PD data
Requirements:
- Funded groups must compare protocols and align on QC markers to facilitate data comparison
- Teams must agree to deposit data back into the PPMI data platform
Informational Webinar
We will host a webinar on August 24, 2021, at 12 p.m. ET to clarify and explain the goals of our funding opportunities and answer applicant questions. The webinar will be available to view on-demand after the live airdate. Register today.
Application Process
1. Download the RFA overview and application template.
2. Log in or create account in the grant application portal.
3. Submit your completed application.
Email grants@michaeljfox.org with questions.