Developmental Research Program
2009-2010
UCSF PROSTATE CANCER PROGRAM
Developmental Research Program
APPLICATION
UCSF Prostate Cancer Program
The hallmark of research in the UCSF Prostate Cancer Program is innovative scientific approaches to important problems in prostate cancer. A valuable component of the program is the Prostate Cancer Development Program. Funding is supported by grants and private gifts to UCSF, under the administration of the Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco.
Prostate Cancer Development Program
The Prostate Cancer Development Program is organized to attract scientists and clinical investigators to the field of prostate cancer. The Program encourages those already in the field to develop innovative research projects and technologies focused on significant problems and fosters the careers of future leaders in prostate cancer research. The Program encourages collaborations between investigators with diverse skills, resulting in innovative research collaborations. The program’s efforts are designed to enhance and expand the current research program. Career Development and Developmental Research applications are evaluated by the Development Program Review Committee. Funding decisions are based on the availability of funds and the quality of the applicants. The strongest candidates are given priority funding while maintaining a balance across initiatives.
Purpose of the Developmental Research Program
The purpose of this program is to provide seed funding to encourage both new and established investigators to propose pilot projects that will launch new translational research initiatives in prostate cancer. Successful investigators will use program funding to conduct preliminary research, later leveraging those results to develop new translational research initiatives in prostate cancer supported by extramural funding.
Priority Research Areas
The program is designed to create a flexible means of exploring basic research and clinical research for potential translational research projects. The program is most interested in research proposals submitted by basic scientists and clinical investigators who are seriously interested in developing new approaches to prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.
The highest priority for funding will be given to translational research projects demonstrating collaboration between clinicians and research scientists. Translational research is defined as research involving the flow of information from the clinic or clinical materials to the bench, or vice-versa.
Targeted research areas include, but are not limited to, the following topics as related to prostate cancer:
- Development of new preventative agents; pilot studies in prevention
- Identification of genetic risk factors, predisposing to prostate cancer requiring therapeutics
- Scientific studies on the basic causes of prostate cancer and progression
- Novel methods for more accurately staging prostate cancer
- New prognostic markers
- More sensitive markers for distinguishing between local and systemic recurrence
- Novel approaches to prevention and treatment of hormone-independent prostate cancer
- Health-related quality of life and patient decision making studies
- Biomarkers identifying patients with prostate cancer who do not require treatment
Review Criteria
- The significance and originality of the research goals
- The appropriateness and adequacy of the proposed experimental approach and methodology
- The availability of resources necessary to conduct the research
- The abilities and track record of the investigator
- The promise and potential for future NIH funding
- The potential for clinical translation in a timely fashion
- The appropriateness of the funding requested
Previous Awardees (From FY 2001-02 through FY 2008-09)
- Role of Aurora2 and Fas ligand in Prostate Cancer Risk
Allan Balmain, PhD
- Disruption of Mucin-Type Glycosylation: A Novel Strategy for Anti-Metastasis Therapy
Carolyn Bertozzi, PhD
- Interference with Telomeres to Treat Prostate Cancer
Elizabeth Blackburn, PhD
- Novel Serine Proteases of the Prostate
George Caughey, MD
- Multi-modality Nanoparticle Targeting Prostate Cancer for Imaging and Photodynamic Therapy
Fanqing F. Chen, PhD
- Positional Comparative Sequencing of a 800kb Chromosome 16q24.3 LOH in Prostate Tumors
Colin Collins, PhD
- Determining Substrate Specificity and Natural Substrates for Prostate Associated Proteases
Charles Craik, PhD
- Inhibition of Androgen Receptor Activation
Robert J. Fletterick, PhD; Kip Guy, PhD
- The Role of PTEN Mutations in the Pathogenesis of Prostate Cancer and Resistance to Therapy
Alexander Gottschalk, MD, PhD
- The Development of In Vivo Models of Human Prostate Cancer
Simon Hayward, PhD
- Targeting Telomerase RNA for Prostate Cancer Inhibition
Thomas James, PhD
- Prostate Cancer Therapy by saRNA guided p21WAF1/CIP1 activation
Long-Cheng Li, MD
- Restoration of Erectile Function with Growth Factor Therapy
Tom F. Lue, MD
- Pilot Study to Evaluate Functional Screen of Protease Expression in Human Prostate Cancer Samples
James H. McKerrow, MD, PhD
- Recruitment of Low-Income African American and Latino Mend for Research in Prostate Cancer Communication via the Women in their Lives
Rena Pasick, DrPH
- Role of miR-205 in Prostate Cancer
Robert Place, PhD
- Biological Effectiveness Improvement of High Dose Rate (HDR) Prostate Brachytherapy
Jean Pouliot, PhD
- Development of Non-Steroidal Androgen Receptor Ligands
Thomas Scanlan, PhD
- Isoform Selective Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Inhibitors in Prostate Cancer
David Stokoe, PhD
- Analysis of Androgen Receptor Interactions with UBC9
Paul Webb, PhD
- Metalloproteases as a Therapeutic Target in Prostate Cancer; and Role of Proteases in a Transgenic Animal Model of Prostate Tumor Initiation, Progression and Metastasis
Zena Werb, PhD
Applicant Eligibility Requirements
Proposals will be accepted from qualified clinical or basic research investigators at UCSF or UC Berkeley. Application is limited to UCSF and UC Berkeley faculty who are eligible to apply for NIH R01 grants. Priority will be given to senior faculty with a track record for conducting significant original research; new investigators to the field of prostate cancer; and entry-level faculty with evidence of exceptional talent during post-doctoral residency, or fellowship training.
Time Frame with Potential for Renewal
Applications are to be made for periods of time not to exceed twelve months. It is expected that work will begin in a time frame appropriate to the continuation of the project. A 6-month progress discussion and review with the Program Director must be completed. 50% of the project funding will be made available when the awards are announced, the final 50% of the project funding will be made available upon completion of a favorable midterm review.
Proposals for renewed funding will be reviewed on an annual basis. Proposals seeking renewal must include an updated progress report and be submitted by the announced deadline for competitive renewal. Projects not seeking renewal must submit a final report within 60 days of the award end date. The final report will address progress on the original objectives, will include a copy of manuscripts in preparation or publications authored by the awardee as a result of Developmental Research Program funding, and will detail plans for submitting grant applications based on this work. Reports not received within 60 days of the award end date will be considered delinquent. As this program seeks to establish new translational research initiatives in prostate cancer supported by extramural funding, awardees are expected report back to the Administrator as additional manuscripts are published and extramural funding is awarded. Participation in an ongoing dialogue will help ensure the success of the program for future investigators.
Budgetary Guidelines
Awards will be made up to $50,000. Cogent detailed budget and justification must be provided, including biosketches where appropriate. Funds may be used for research personnel (postdoctoral fellows, students, and technical personnel), supplies, necessary equipment, and other justifiable expenses. However, the primary intent of this program is not to provide salary support for established principal investigators or to fund capital improvements (alterations and renovations). One half of the funding will be released upon award of the grant, the second half of the funding will be released after completion of a satisfactory six-month review with the Program Director. Funds may be carried forward, based on review of written request, progress to date and justification.
Award Criteria
All proposals will be peer-reviewed and scored on the basis of scientific merit and the degree to which the proposal meets the program's primary purpose.
Review and Notification Process
Applications must be received according to guidelines specified in the application instructions. All applicants will receive a notification letter after the Prostate Cancer Development Program Review Committee has met and discussed all applications to the program. Each funded applicant must contact the Program Administrator to accept the award. Additional terms of the award are outlined below and will be restated in all award letters.
Human Subjects
Prior to the release of funding each awardee must provide:
- IRB, IACUC, or other relevant regulated institutional approval letter that is current and covers the proposed research project
- Documentation demonstrating completion of the UCSF Human Subjects Protection course
- Material Transfers Agreement, if biological samples will be sent to or received from other institutions
Progress and Final reports will include the use of Human Subjects, including the inclusion of: Women and Minorities, Children, and a Benefits versus Risks assessment.
Presentation of Results and Renewal Requests
Principal investigators will present their results at one monthly Prostate Cancer Seminar and present either a talk or poster at the annual UCSF Prostate Cancer research retreat. A discussion and review of the project with the Program Director will be completed at six months. A written progress report must be submitted with the same deadline as the open Developmental Research Program call for proposals if applying for a second year of funding. All final reports are due within 60 days of the award end date. Awardees are expected report back to the Administrator about any additional manuscripts published and extramural funding awarded as a result of the Developmental Research Program funding.
- The renewal request will substitute a progress report for the project narrative, as detailed in the application instructions below.
- The final report will address whether the original aims of the pilot project have been met, will offer the likelihood of project expansion into productive prostate cancer translational research and will detail plans for submitting grant applications based on this work. A copy of manuscripts in preparation or published will be attached to the final report.
- Publications resulting from the grant should cite support from the Prostate Cancer Development Program. Awardees should contact the Administrator for appropriate citation language.
Application Requirements (new and competitive renewal)
The following requirements must be met in the submission of an application for funds:
- The application must be submitted on the application form and meet the application guidelines.
- All applications must be signed by the applicant and the department chair.
- The original, fifteen (15) photocopies and one CD with the electronic files of the complete application and enclosures must be submitted.
- Applications do not require a Contract and Grants Approval form.
- If funded, a formal award document will be sent outlining terms of this award.
Application Packet
The following materials are included in this application packet:
- Application Instructions.
- Application Forms: Cover Page, Abstract Page, Narrative, and Budget Page with Budget Justification.
- An electronic version of the application is available and may be downloaded from
Key Program Personnel
Last updated 4/1/09
Developmental Research Program
- Program Director
Marc Shuman, MD
476-2125 or 514-0265
- Program Co-Director
Davide Ruggero, PhD
502-7065
- Program Administrator
Malinda Walker
885-7723
Last updated 4/1/09
Developmental Research Program
Submit Materials to:
Campus/US Mail
UCSF Prostate Cancer Development Program
Review Committee c/o Malinda Walker
Department of Urology, Box 1695
San Francisco, CA 94143-1695
FedEx/Hand Delivery
UCSF Prostate Cancer Development Program
Review Committee c/o Malinda Walker
1600 Divisadero, A629
Department of Urology
San Francisco, CA 94115
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: TBD
If you have questions, please contact:
Malinda Walker, Program Administrator
(415) 885-7723 or
Faxed and emailed submissions will not be reviewed
Developmental Research Program, UCSF Prostate Cancer Program
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
1.COVER PAGE (must be submitted on provided form)
a.Check appropriate “new” or “renewal” box.
1.Project title.
2a.Principal Investigator (PI): The individual who will be primarily responsible for implementing this proposal and for reporting to the UCSF Prostate Cancer Program.
2b-g.Information on PI: Self-explanatory.
3.Research on Human/Animal Subjects: Indicate whether human subjects or animals are to be used in proposed study. The project must comply with University guidelines.
4.Site(s) where research project will be performed.
5.Amount of funding requested. Awards are limited to $50,000 and will be based on merit and justification.
6.Project dates. The fund year is TBD.
7.Name and contact information of departmental administrator to be notified in the event of an award.
8-9.Signatures.
2.BUDGET AND JUSTIFICATION (Must be submitted on provided form)
Awards will not exceed $50,000 and will be based on merit and justification. All proposals must be accompanied by a budget. Items listed under the following categories should be accompanied by a justification on a separate page of the budget expenditures.
a.Personnel: Expenses with appropriate justification will be considered. This may include salary support for postdoctoral fellows and technical or laboratory personnel. It is not the primary intent of this funding mechanism to provide additional salary support for established principal investigators.
- Other Expense Lines: Equipment is not an allowable expense. This award is not intended to fund capital improvements.
3. ABSTRACT (must be submitted on provided form) - DO NOT EXCEED 250 WORDS
The abstract must state the applicant's immediate and long-term objectives and specific aims. Avoid summaries of past accomplishments. The abstract is meant to serve as a succinct and accurate description of the proposal when separated from the application. Underline 5-10 key words that categorize and identify the major thrust(s) of the project.
4.PROJECT NARRATIVE. DO NOT EXCEED FOUR (4) TYPEWRITTEN PAGES, SINGLE-SPACED (using 10- or 12-point type), STANDARD SIZE PRINT - NO SMALL TYPE
Organize the section similarly to an NIH grant, including answers to the following questions: What do you intend to do? What are your specific aims? Why is the work important and how novel is this work? Why is the proposed research relevant to prostate cancer? What is the potential prostate cancer translational impact and in what area is it relevant (diagnosis, prevention, prognosis, treatment, etc.)? What have you and others already done in research related to the application? How are you going to do the work?
The suggested format is as follows:
a.Specific Aims: State concisely and realistically what the research is intended to accomplish and/or what hypothesis is to be tested. List measurable objectives for the proposed project. Competitive renewal applications should detail progress and results for original specific aims, as well as detail new aims, if any.
b.Significance and Background: Describe the proposal in terms of its significance, reviewing the most significant previous work and current status of related research. State the rationale behind the approach. Include relevant long-term goals and implications of possible results. Competitive renewal applications should include an update of relevant new findings by others since the original application and note any changes from the original rationale.
c.Experimental Design/Brief Methods of Procedure: Give condensed details for the proposal including nature of human subjects (or animal), sampling procedures, experimental methods, kinds of data expected, and data collection procedures to be followed. Include estimates of sample sizes (numbers of animals, tissue of other specimens, or human subjects), some indication of the statistical power of the study, and proposed methods of statistical analysis. Where appropriate, adequacy of proposed statistical analysis will significantly impact the review. When human subjects are involved, describe the precautions to insure patient safety and confidentiality. Briefly describe the facilities and resources available to the investigator for conduct of the study. Competitive renewal applications should only include the new experimental design for year two and any new Methods that will be used.
5.BIBLIOGRAPHY - ONE PAGE TOTAL
6.SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL - TWO PAGES TOTAL
Supplemental material should be limited to tables or graphs referring directly to the text of the application. (Limited to 2 pages total.)
7.BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Attach biographical sketch for the Principal Investigator and relevant personnel. Concluding with present position, list in chronological order previous employment, experience and honors, highlighting previous research experience. Include present membership in any local and national professional organizations. List, in chronological order, the titles and complete references of pertinent publications. Use NIH Biographical Sketch format.
8.OTHER SUPPORT
Attach other support information for the principal investigator.
ONLY COMPLETE APPLICATIONS THAT HAVE FOLLOWED
THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE REVIEWED
Last updated 4/1/09