Pre-Cancer Atlas (PCA) Research Centers (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Background
The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to solicit applications for Precancer Atlas (PCA) Research Centers, one of the three scientific components of the Human Tumor Atlas Network (HTAN). HTAN is a collaborative research initiative for constructing 3-dimensional (3D) and dynamic atlases of the cellular, morphological, molecular, and spatial features of human cancers and their surrounding microenvironments as they progress from precancerous lesions to advanced disease.

Grant Details
Each PCA Research Center will construct one 3D precancer atlas that comprehensively characterizes a pre-malignant lesion with an explicit focus on understanding the transition from a precancerous lesion to malignancy. The other two HTAN components are Human Tumor Atlas (HTA) Research Centers and a Data Coordinating Center (DCC). Each HTA Research Center will conduct research to develop one spatial tumor atlas at single-cell resolution driven by specific topics in cancer biology across the continuum from cancer initiation to metastasis. The DCC will serve the dual role of network and data coordination. Research Centers have three major areas of responsibility: (1) biospecimen acquisition, processing, and annotation, (2) molecular, cellular, and spatial characterization, and (3) data processing, analysis, modeling, and visualization.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized), U.S. Territory or Possession agencies of the Federal Government. Foreign Institutions are not eligible to apply.

Period of Performance
The project period is 5 years.

Grant Value
NCI intends to commit $7.0 million in FY2024 to fund up to 5 awards. Application budget should not exceed $800,000 in direct costs per year.