Pilot and Feasibility Program

The Marion Bessin Liver Research Center Core Grant has funds available to support several new Pilot and Feasibility Studies in the next fiscal year (September 1, 2018-August 31, 2019).  These awards are given for one year and are renewable for a second year depending on suitable progress. Studies that are translational in nature, utilize human tissues, and involve collaboration between a laboratory and clinical/translational investigator, are strongly encouraged.

Eligibility

All academic full-time faculty are eligible to apply. Projects will be considered on any aspect of fundamental or applied research relating to basic liver function, pathophysiology or clinically relevant areas. The program is designed to support:

  1. New investigators with interest in liver-related research.
  2. Established investigators who wish to develop new research directions related to the liver.
  3. Established investigators working in liver-related research who wish to begin a new project representing a major departure from their previous research.

Pilot & Feasibility Studies

First Year 

Characterization of Hepatic Virus-Specific CD4+ T Cells in a New Rodent Model of Hepacivirus Infection
P.I.: Eva Billerbeck, PhD 

The Role of Hepatic Denervation in the Dysregulation of Glucose Metabolism in Liver Transplant Recipients
P.I. – Meredith Hawkins, MD 

Development of iNKT Cell Activators for Immunotherapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
P.I. – Alejandra Saavedra-Avila, PhD / Steven A. Porcelli, MD (Mentor) 

MED13 is a Key Regulator of Lipogenic and Gluconeogenic Gene Expression in NAFLD
P.I. - Dou Yeon Youn, PhD

Second Year (Continuation)

Role of Akt/mTOR Signaling on CMA-Dependent HCC Formation and Progression
P.I.: Esperanza Arias-Perez, PhD 

Requests for Application

Applications should follow the format of a new NIH R01 Grant, using NIH application forms (PHS 398) but reduced in length (Research Plan not to exceed 5-6 pages).  Applications do not require institutional internal review or Dean's signature.  Funds are available for 1-2 years with a maximum request of $25,000/year.  Interested individuals should please send a one-page Letter of Intent, including a brief description of the project and an NIH biosketch (including research support) by Friday, June 15, 2018 to be reviewed by our Executive Committee. Due date for submission of full applications of projects selected for review by our Scientific Advisory Committee will be announced later. Notification of final status of projects reviewed by the Scientific Advisory Committee will be given in August.

Letters of intent and biosketches should be submitted by email to Anna Caponigro at anna.caponigro@einsteinmed.edu. For further information, call 718-430-2098.