USAMRAA Neurotoxin Exposure Treatment Parkinson’s Depression Research Award

This funding opportunity is specifically focused on the following Areas of Emphasis on depression as a risk factor and/or co-morbidity in PD:
· Delineation of metabolic pathways that may lead to identification of molecular markers and/or therapeutic targets associated with modulation or control of serotonergic or non¬serotonergic activity.
· Characterization of underlying genetic mechanisms associated with development of depression, or characterization of intersects between genetic mechanisms associated with depression and other known risk factors (as identified in published literature) for development of PD.
· Identification of surrogate markers in the blood for identification, diagnosis, susceptibility, maintenance, or progression of depression associated with neurodegeneration.
Innovative applications not focused on the Areas of Emphasis noted above are acceptable, provided the application:
· Is specifically related to development or progression of depression as a non-motor manifestation of PD and/or is clearly linked to depression as a risk factor for initiation or progression of PD; and
· Provides a strong rationale for relevance to the mission of the NETPR Program.

The Depression Research Award mechanism is being offered for the first time in FY15.
The intent of the NETPR Depression Research Award is to support research efforts that will make significant advancements in the understanding of serotonergic and non-serotonergic molecular pathways identified with depression and associated biologic phenomena that link the pathways to other risk factors (e.g., disruption of sleep architecture, exposure to long-term psychological and physiological stress, dysautonomia, and traumatic brain injury) for development and progression of PD. It is expected that research supported by this award will lead to the development of new treatments or the improvement of current treatments for depression, specifically in individuals with, or at risk for, PD. It is anticipated that projects will emphasize preclinical research in human populations, animal studies, or in silico retrospective studies. Preliminary data are required.