The Epitranscriptomics Crosstalks and Toxicants (EPCOT) funding opportunity, issued by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), supports innovative research exploring how environmental toxicants affect epitranscriptomic crosstalk and its role in adverse health outcomes. This initiative emphasizes studying interactions between epitranscriptomic modifications and other molecular processes, such as epigenomics and genomic structures, under toxicant exposure.

The program aims to enhance understanding of human health impacts caused by environmental agents. These studies could identify hazardous agents, elucidate mechanisms of toxicity, and improve disease prevention strategies. Specific objectives include determining how toxicants disrupt molecular regulatory systems like RNA modifications, epigenetic marks, and their associated proteins, and translating these findings into biomarkers, therapeutic targets, or public health interventions. Research should also address health disparities and environmental justice concerns.

NIEHS anticipates committing $4 million in FY 2026 to fund 5-6 awards, each with a maximum annual budget of $500,000 in direct costs. Projects may span up to five years. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, local governments, and for-profit organizations. While foreign organizations are not eligible, foreign components in U.S.-based projects are allowed. Proposals must demonstrate a clear relevance to human health and employ toxicants within the NIEHS mission scope, such as metals, air pollutants, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Applications must focus on environmentally induced disruptions of epitranscriptomic crosstalk and their implications for disease mechanisms. Examples include interactions between RNA modifications and histone changes, impacts of RNA methylation on transcription, and crosstalk involving RWEs (readers, writers, and erasers of molecular modifications). Both in vivo and in vitro studies are encouraged, as are human studies that link toxicant exposure to health outcomes through epitranscriptomic mechanisms.

Applicants must submit their applications by February 6, 2025, through Grants.gov, following the instructions outlined in the NIH Application Guide. A letter of intent is encouraged but not required. Proposals will be reviewed for scientific merit, innovation, and alignment with NIEHS priorities, with award decisions based on relevance, scientific quality, and funding availability.

This funding opportunity seeks to advance mechanistic insights into how environmental exposures influence epitranscriptomic crosstalk, contributing to the development of biomarkers, interventions, and tools to mitigate adverse health effects. Prospective applicants are encouraged to consult NIEHS program staff to ensure alignment with program objectives.