2021 FD/MAS Research Funding Opportunity Announced

We’re thrilled to announce that research grants of up to $80,867 to study fibrous dysplasia or McCune-Albright syndrome are now available thanks to the work of Team FD/MAS in the UPenn Orphan Disease Center’s Million Dollar Bike Ride. The one-page letter of interest (LOI) is due Thursday, September 16th, 2021 by 8pm EST.  Please read the RFA below. For more information on the application process please visit the UPenn Orphan Disease Center website.

Fibrous dysplasia/McCune-Albright syndrome (FD/MAS) is a rare multisystem disease caused by somatic mutations in GNAS. The mutation results in constitutive activation of the Gsα cAMP signaling pathway. Skeletal manifestations include bone pain, fractures, deformity, and osteomalacia/rickets.

Two to four grants are available. Amounts vary per number of awards that are funded: two awards at $80,867, three awards at $53,791, or four awards at $40,343. Studies that focus on the pathogenesis of FD/MAS or clinical studies to address any of the unmet needs in the care of FD/MAS patients will be considered. Research priorities for the FD/MAS Alliance include: studies that characterize mouse models; studies to understand the mechanism and/or treatment of FD-related bone pain; development or testing of therapeutics, such as those targeting Gsα, PKA, Wnt, or other signaling pathways; and studies of the pathophysiology, such as the role of RANKL, IL6, cAMP, and FGF23.

The grants are made possible by Team FD/MAS and the FD/MAS Alliance. First-time applicants are encouraged. Previous awardees must describe progress, publications, and other funding awarded as a result of data generated from previous grant(s) and must describe how the new proposal is distinct or extends from previous one(s). Projects that feature collaborations across multiple institutions are encouraged.

Reagents and research tools, including animal models that are generated or studied using support from FD/MAS Alliance and MDBR, must be freely accessible without restrictions and/or deposited in a public repository.

Once again, the one-page letter of interest (LOI) is due

Thursday, September 16th, 2021 by 8pm EST

Thank you in advance for sharing and forwarding this news with colleagues and peers that you believe may be interested!