Briefing: RFA-DA-26-009 (EXPIRED)

STATUS: This funding opportunity expired March 11, 2026. Limited case-by-case submissions may be accepted; contact the eRA Service Desk.

Research Focus

This R01 grant supports basic and preclinical research on mitochondrial dysfunction at the intersection of HIV infection, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and substance use disorders (SUD). The funder seeks to elucidate how mitochondrial dynamics, metabolomics, oxidative stress, and epigenetic regulation contribute to accelerated aging and persistent viral reservoirs in people living with HIV and SUD. Research should investigate protective and pathogenic mechanisms involving mitochondrial haplotypes, somatic mutations, cell-free mitochondrial DNA markers, and immune cell senescence across the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral immune system. Substances of interest include opioids, methamphetamine, cocaine, cannabinoids, nicotine, xylazine, and combinations thereof. Foundational knowledge is intended to support development of targeted therapies and improved clinical outcomes.

Priority research areas include: characterizing mitochondrial regulation of neural and immune cell activation by HIV status, ART, and substance type; determining targetable mechanisms to alleviate mitochondrial stress; elucidating genome damage and epigenomic/transcriptomic changes during HIV and substance use; and developing computational models to identify individuals at risk for pathological aging.

At-a-Glance

• Who can apply: Higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, government agencies, tribal governments, and foreign organizations. All PD/PI(s) must have eRA Commons accounts.
• Funding & project length: $3,000,000 total (FY 2026) for 3–6 awards; maximum 5-year project period. Budgets not limited but must reflect actual project needs.
• Award mechanism: R01 Research Project Grant (New, Resubmission, Revision applications allowed). Clinical trials not allowed.
• Key dates: Open February 10, 2025; multiple due dates (March 10, July, October, December 2025 and 2026); expiration March 11, 2026.
• Best fit for: Molecular/cellular biologists, immunologists, neuroscientists, and computational researchers studying mitochondrial biology, aging, HIV pathogenesis, and substance use—using cell culture, animal models, genomics, metabolomics, and bioinformatics approaches.