ICMR Call for Proposals in the area of PCOS under ICMR Extramural Task Force Program
Background
PCOS is one of the most common endocrine pathologies affecting women of reproductive age and is characterized by hyperandrogenism, follicular dysplasia, amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea, and infertility. Several factors including genetic, environmental, and high BMI or obesity have been attributed to the pathogenesis of PCOS. However, there is paucity of information on a direct cause and effect relationship in PCOS which is further complicated by its complex pathophysiology. The prevalence of PCOS has increased among Indian women at a high rate in both urban and rural regions. The pattern and etiology of PCOS has been observed to vary across regions. Several studies have also demonstrated the clinical progression of PCOS into type 2 diabetes, cardio-metabolic disorders Exposure to harmful chemicals; sedentary lifestyle and genetic predisposition are considered as etiological factors for PCOS.
Further, epidemiological findings have also suggested that women with PCOS are more prone to gynecological cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms that link these two conditions are poorly understood. Recent research has highlighted the shared nature of the genomic and epigenomic features including miRNAs, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circRNAs, piRNAs and other associated small non-coding RNAs in PCOS and gynecologic oncogenesis. Pertinently, a detailed and a deeper molecular characterization of these features in Indian women will be very helpful in identifying the key determinants of oncogenesis in cases of PCOS, and may open new avenues for developing these unique signatures as biomarkers for development of improved diagnostics and therapeutics.
To address the issues related to risk/causative factors including environmental agents, genetics, epigenetics, metabolomics and gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of PCOS in context to Indian population, ICMR invites Concept Proposals in the following priority areas:
1. Role of environmental chemicals in PCOS development and progression.
2. Role of genetic and epigenetic modifications in PCOS among Indian women.
3. Role of gut micro-biota in PCOS etiology.
4. Metabolomic studies in PCOS patients and their alteration if any with disease management interventions.
The research proposals with translational value will be given priority. A clear and in-depth understanding of the PCOS etiology is vital to the development of effective screening tests and novel therapeutic and preventive strategies. The data generated from this program would help unveil the factors underlying PCOS pathogenesis among Indian women. Further, key significant molecular signatures in PCOS and PCOS associated gynecological oncogenesis will be identified and their role will be deciphered which may lead to development of prospective biomarkers in PCOS.
Who can submit project proposals?
The project proposal can be submitted for financial support through ONLINE MODE ONLY by scientists/ professionals who are a regular faculty in Medical Institutes/ Research Institutes/ Universities/ Colleges/ recognized Research & Development laboratories/ Government and semi-government organizations.
Criteria for application:
The proposals should adhere to the focus areas described. The scientific team should have demonstrable expertise in the areas of focus. Collaborations between research and clinical teams will be encouraged. Proposals must be written in the English language and clearly titled in the ICMR format. Project descriptions and style should conform to ICMR guidelines and have all requisite approvals and permissions required.
Points to be kept in mind while submitting the proposals:
Duration of the research projects will be maximum for five years. Budget and duration of project as per recommendations of Project review group.
1. The proposals must address one of the focus thematic areas
2. Should focus on out comes that are readily translatable into practice.
3. Preferably be in multidisciplinary collaborative mode.
4. Be Innovative and promote development of indigenous technologies.
5. Be feasible within the constraints of the funding and time available.
6. Foreign collaboration is not allowed under the call.
Contact Information:
For any query please contact
Proposal submission related query:
Dr Lokesh Sharma
Scientist E and Program Officer
Division of BMI,
ICMR Headquarters,
V Ramalingaswami Bhawan, Ansari Nagar,
New Delhi-110029
Email: po.epms@icmr.gov.in
Program related query:
Dr. Taruna Arora Scientist ‘C’ & Program Officer
Reproductive Health
Division of RBMCH
Indian Council of Medical Research
V. Ramalingaswami Bhavan Ansari Nagar,
New Delhi- 110029
Email: tarunakatyal@gmail.com
Call closing date: 22nd August 2022, 5:00 PM IST.
Deadline for submission of concept note/expression of interest to R&D Department –August 12, 2022, EoD. The project proposal in prescribed format or the concept note as the case may be, should be sent to Dean R&D (dean.research@ddn.upes.ac.in), with CC to Associate Dean (R&D) (smtauseef@ddn.upes.ac.in) well in time.
For more information,visit https://main.icmr.nic.in/