The National Cancer Institute (NCI) under NIH is seeking applications for the UH2 Exploratory/Developmental Cooperative Agreement, a funding opportunity designed to support research that investigates the mechanistic links between diet, lipid metabolism, and tumor growth. This funding opportunity, titled "Mechanistic Links Between Diet, Lipid Metabolism, and Tumor Growth and Progression," aims to explore how dietary lipid intake and metabolism may influence cancer progression. Projects funded under this opportunity should focus on the molecular pathways through which lipid metabolism affects tumor growth, aiming to integrate the disciplines of nutrition and molecular metabolism in cancer research. The emphasis is on basic, preclinical studies that may highlight potential mechanisms but are not required to be translational or clinically oriented. This NOFO specifically limits unpublished preliminary data to encourage new investigators.

The NOFO targets research that addresses the role of lipid metabolism as a mediator between diet and cancer biology, highlighting the influence of dietary lipids on various aspects of tumor progression. Priority will be given to studies that explore how diet influences tumor growth through cellular lipid signaling, mitochondrial function, lipid-mediated cell signaling, reactive oxygen species production, and de novo lipogenesis. Additionally, studies that examine diet-induced changes in the tumor microenvironment, such as how stromal cells or immune cells respond to lipid metabolic changes, are encouraged. Example research areas include the effects of dietary components like palmitic acid, linoleic acid, and ketogenic diets on lipid metabolism in different tumor models. Applications should clarify the biochemical composition of the diets being tested to enable consistent results across studies.

For eligibility, applicants from higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profits, local governments, and other qualified organizations are encouraged to apply, though foreign organizations and non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible. Applicants are advised to include experts in both nutrition and cancer research, and multi-principal investigator (multi-PI) structures are recommended where appropriate. The application should focus on novel research concepts rather than preliminary findings. Applications should not propose clinical trials, as this NOFO only accepts preclinical research projects. Applications are permitted to address health disparities by including research related to diet and lipid metabolism in underserved or at-risk populations.

Each award under this NOFO has a maximum project period of two years, with budgets capped at $275,000 in direct costs, with no more than $200,000 allowed per year. Applicants are encouraged to consult NCI scientific contacts prior to submission to confirm alignment with NOFO goals. Collaborative efforts among awardees, including data sharing and participation in NCI-led working groups, will be a significant component of project activities. Awardees will present their findings in an annual meeting that will be available to the broader scientific community. This collaborative approach aims to support advances in the fields of nutrition and cancer biology by pooling resources and insights among researchers.

Applications must follow strict NIH submission guidelines, including the required completion of registrations such as SAM, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov. A letter of intent, while not mandatory, is recommended and should be submitted 30 days before the application due date. For the February 14, 2025, due date, scientific merit reviews will occur in July 2025, with the earliest project start date anticipated for December 2025.

Applications will be reviewed based on their significance, innovation, and approach. Specifically, reviewers will evaluate the potential for significant impact on understanding the links between diet and lipid metabolism within tumor growth and progression. Projects will be assessed on their feasibility, rigor, and scientific innovation, as well as the qualifications of the research team and adequacy of institutional resources.