Extracellular RNA carrier subclasses in processes relevant to Substance Use Disorders or HIV infection (R21- Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | PAR 20 148

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 20 148

This National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity (PAR-20-148) invites applications for exploratory, early-stage research under the R21 mechanism focused on extracellular RNA (exRNA) carriers and how specific carrier subclasses influence biological processes tied to substance use disorders (SUDs) and/or HIV infection. The scientific emphasis is on understanding how exRNAs, which circulate outside cells and are packaged or transported in distinct types of carriers, may contribute to HIV infection, viral latency, or disease pathogenesis in the central nervous system (CNS), as well as mechanisms relevant to SUDs. The FOA is explicitly labeled "Clinical Trial Not Allowed," meaning projects must be non-clinical-trial research (for example, mechanistic studies, method development, or preclinical investigations rather than testing interventions in human participants as clinical trials).

The core goal is to stimulate research that disentangles the roles of different exRNA carrier subclasses in CNS-relevant pathways impacted by HIV and/or substance use. Applicants can approach this in two broad ways. One option is to propose biological or mechanistic studies that clarify how particular carrier types (such as extracellular vesicles and other exRNA-containing particles) mediate signaling, immune modulation, neuroinflammation, neuronal injury, or other processes that may shape HIV persistence and neuropathogenesis or contribute to SUD-related changes in brain function. Another option is to focus on technology and tool development, such as improved methods to isolate, classify, quantify, and characterize extracellular vesicles or other exRNA carriers, or to better analyze their RNA cargo and functional effects. In practice, this could include innovations in separation methods, analytics, imaging, single-particle profiling, RNA sequencing approaches tailored to low-input exRNA, or assays that connect carrier subclass to functional outcomes.

The opportunity sits in the NIH health mission space (CFDA 93.279) and is offered as a discretionary grant program. It is structured with an award ceiling of $200,000, reflecting the typical R21 intent to support high-impact, proof-of-concept work that can open up a new line of investigation rather than fund a fully mature, long-term program. The original closing date listed is 2023-05-07, and the FOA was created on 2020-03-25; applicants would need to verify current submission dates and whether the announcement remains active through NIH systems and the funding announcement page.

Eligibility is broad and includes many organizational types that commonly apply to NIH research programs. Eligible applicants include state, county, city, and special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled colleges and universities; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations (including those other than federally recognized tribal governments); public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding higher education institutions in those categories); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. The FOA also highlights additional eligible applicant categories, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs). It further includes eligible federal agencies, faith-based or community-based organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, regional organizations, and even non-U.S. (foreign) entities, indicating NIH is open to strong science wherever it can be conducted, provided it aligns with NIH policies and the FOA requirements.

Overall, the announcement is aimed at accelerating what is still a relatively young but rapidly evolving area of biomedical research: how exRNA and the diverse set of extracellular carriers that transport it participate in intercellular communication and disease mechanisms. By targeting SUDs and HIV-related CNS outcomes, the FOA encourages projects that could clarify why neurological complications persist, how viral reservoirs or latency might be influenced by extracellular communication networks, and how substance use may intersect with these pathways. At the same time, it leaves room for applicants to build the technological foundation needed to study exRNA carriers more precisely, which is often the bottleneck in translating exRNA biology into clear mechanisms, biomarkers, or future therapeutic strategies.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Extracellular RNA carrier subclasses in processes relevant to Substance Use Disorders or HIV infection (R21- 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): 93.279.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2020-03-25.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2023-05-07. (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 PAR 20 148

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