NUTRITION RESEARCH AND ORAL HEALTH (Ongoing Program Announcement) P.T. 34; K.W. 0710095, 0715148, 0755020, 0785055, 0710030 National Institute of Dental Research The National Institute of Dental Research (NIDR) encourages submission of high quality applications for the support of research and research training on the influence of diet and nutrition on oral health and disease, salivary gland function, craniofacial development, osteoporosis as related to craniofacial structures, and wound healing in order to expand its activities in these and other related areas. Appropriate studies might encompass basic research, development of animal models, epidemiological studies, and clinical studies of special population groups, including the aged and minorities and those in foreign countries which present special research opportunities. BACKGROUND The oral cavity and associated structures are the sites of disease (e.g., dental caries, periodontal disease, herpes, salivary gland disorders, oral cancer) and congenital anomalies (such as cleft lip and palate) that may relate to nutritional status. It is also evident that nutrients interact with physiologic systems in the oral cavity such as host and microbial cell replication mechanisms, host cell repair mechanisms and immune response mechanisms in such a manner as to increase or decrease the risk of disease and influence tissue development. Thus, the oral tissues and associated structures constitute a major site of interactions between nutritional factors and physiological systems, a relationship that makes oral health no less vulnerable to the effects of nutrition than general health. Expansion of the NIDR Nutrition Research Program was recommended by expert panels on Long-Range Research Plans for the 1990's, at a recent Workshop on International Collaboration for Oral Research, and by the Dental Research Programs Advisory Committee (PAC) at its November 1988 meeting. The PAC recommended the issuance of a Program Announcement to encourage the needed research and training in this area. RESEARCH GOALS The objective of this announcement is to solicit applications for research grants and individual research training to elucidate the role of diet and nutrition in the development and maintenance of oral and craniofacial tissues and in the prevention of oral diseases. Projects concerning nutrition and oral health and disease as related to minorities, women, and the elderly and to populations in developing countries which present special research opportunities (via international collaboration) are encouraged. Examples of research projects are: o Influence of nutrient-drug interactions on specific salivary gland structure and functions in the elderly. o Relationship between nutrient intake during critical periods of gestation and susceptibility to craniofacial anomalies. o Effect of malnutrition on abnormal tooth development or on osteoporosis of the jaw bone. o Effect of sugar substitutes and food additives on the physiology of cariogenic bacteria and on dental caries. o Bioavailability and mineralized tissue effects of fluoride in nutritionally compromised individuals. o Preventive role of antioxidant nutrients in diseases of the periodontium or of the oral mucosa. The above list is not intended to describe the full range of possible activities to be supported nor to direct applicants to these areas. Applicant institutions are encouraged to focus on their areas of greatest strength. The announcement is also intended to: encourage increased collaboration among the various disciplines of dental research involving nutrition and among basic and clinical scientists; encourage training of basic and clinical research scientists in oral nutrition; and expedite the translation of advances in nutrition/oral biology research into new and improved methods for patient care. MECHANISMS OF SUPPORT Support for this program will be through regular research project grants (R01), program project grants (P01), small grants (R03), FIRST awards (R29), AREA awards (R15), career development awards (K04, K11, K15), and postdoctoral fellowships (F32, F33). Receipt dates and policies that govern research grant programs of the National Institutes of Health will prevail. APPLICATION AND REVIEW PROCEDURES Applications in response to this announcement will be reviewed on a nationwide basis in competition with other applications and in accordance with NIH peer review procedures. Review criteria include: the significance and originality of the research goals and approaches; feasibility of the research and adequacy of the experimental design; training, experience, research competence, and dedication of the investigator(s); adequacy of available facilities and availability of appropriate study populations; provisions for the protection of human subjects and humane care of animals; and appropriateness of the requested budget relative to the work proposed. Applicants are encouraged to include women and minorities in clinical and epidemiological studies. For studies which exclude women or minorities, a clear rationale for exclusion should be provided. Funding decisions will be based on the Study Section's and the National Advisory Council's recommendations regarding scientific merit and program relevance, and on the availability of appropriated funds. Inquiries concerning this announcement should be addressed to Dr. Joseph E. Ciardi at the address given below. The specific application forms and kits required to respond to this announcement are available from the institution's Office of Research and Sponsored Programs or from the Division of Research Grants, NIH. Applications will be accepted on an indefinite basis in accordance with the receipt dates specified in the pertinent application kits. The phrase "NIDR PA: NUTRITION RESEARCH AND ORAL HEALTH" should be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form PHS 398 (rev. 10/88) or on line 3 of the fellowship application form PHS 416 (rev. 7/88). The original and six copies should be sent or delivered to: Grants Application Receipt Office Division of Research Grants National Institutes of Health Westwood Building, Room 240 Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4500** For further information concerning this announcement and the mechanisms of support for research and training available in this connection, applicants are encouraged to contact: Joseph E. Ciardi, Ph.D. Program Administrator Caries, Restorative Materials and Salivary Research Branch Extramural Program National Institute of Dental Research Westwood Building, Room 505 Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4500 Telephone: (301) 496-7884 This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 13.121, Diseases of the Teeth and Supporting Tissues. Awards will be made under authorization of the Public Health Service Act, Title III, Section 301 (Public Law 78-410, as amended; 42 USC 241); and administered under PHS grants policies and Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 45 CFR Part 74. This program is not subject to the intergovernmental review. Vol. 18, No. 38, October 27, 1989 - Page 5-6 NIH GUIDE