The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is issuing this Notice of Special Interest (NOSI) to encourage analyses of the unique research resources generated by the CALERIE (Comprehensive Assessment of Long-term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy) trial to improve our understanding of the effects of sustained caloric restriction (CR) in humans and its underlying mechanisms. NIA invites applications for innovative research (R01) projects and exploratory research (R21) projects which leverage the CALERIE Phase 2: 1) biological datasets and biospecimens and/or 2) the CALERIE Tracking System (CTS) behavioral database to address novel hypotheses on the following areas:

• Biological, phenotypic, and functional aging, and their related pathways;
• Risk factors for chronic diseases and the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms; and
• Behavioral and psychological aspects of sustained CR.

The CALERIE research resources are broadly accessible to investigators through the NIA Aging Research Biobank. Prior to any submission of an application for the analysis of CALERIE biospecimens, a request to access the CALERIE biospecimens must be submitted to the NIA Aging Research Biobank and approved by the NIA Biobank Scientific Review Committee. Prospective applicants are strongly advised to seek the necessary permissions well in advance of the anticipated submission date for their applications.

The overarching objective of this NOSI is to incentivize the investigation of key aging biology questions that advance our understanding of the effects of CR on biological, phenotypic, and functional aging and on risk factors for chronic diseases, as well as itsunderlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. The use of transdisciplinary approaches and new methodologies, such as integrative system technologies, complex data modeling, and analyses of the dynamic pattern of genetic and environmental influences, is of particular relevance and is highly encouraged. Innovative methodologies and integrative analyses that explore multifaceted aspects of aging can ultimately lead to the development of novel therapeutic targets for intervention, CR mimetics, and/or pharmacological approaches that may help to promote healthy aging. 

This notice applies to due dates on or after February 16, 2022 and subsequent receipt dates through May 8, 2023. 

NOT-AG-21-028