Developmental Research Program

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Project Summary The DRP provides seed funding for promising research projects with translational projection and potential to significantly impact kidney cancer research. The DRP funds pilot and/or high-impact/high-reward projects. It serves as a “pipeline” to support the mission of the SPORE. The DRP is led by Dr. Brugarolas, Professor of Internal Medicine/Hematology-Oncology and SPORE Director, together with Dr. Denise Marciano, Associate Professor of Nephrology and Cell Biology. Dr. Brugarolas brings to bear his expertise in renal cancer, and Dr. Marciano, a deep understanding of kidney physiology and cell biology. Their combined research experience, as well as their track record in program building and mentorship, provides them the expertise to successfully lead the DRP program. DRP proposals are solicited by Core A via a campus-wide email. Each submitted proposal is reviewed by at least 4 reviewers. Criteria for selection include significance, innovation, approach, investigator qualifications, and translational potential (or synergism with existing projects). Priority is given to proposals with the potential to become full SPORE projects. The highest-scoring proposals are funded following approval by the SPORE Executive Committee. DRP awardees have preferential use of SPORE Shared Core resources, and benefit from the expertise and leadership of SPORE investigators. They participate in SPORE conferences, where they regularly present their work. Metrics of success for DRP recipients include: invitations to present at scientific meetings; publication of original research studies; successful competition for independent external grant support; promotion of the projects to full SPORE projects; and, institutional recognition by promotion through the academic ranks. Over the 5 years of our SPORE, 16 DRP awards were funded. One DRP project set the foundation for SPORE Project 3 of the renewal application. For the next funding period, we seek to continue to attract and support a pipeline of diverse research interests and expertise relevant to kidney cancer, in particular from under-represented minority (URM) groups. These projects will enlarge the breadth and depth of innovative Kidney Cancer Program/SPORE translational research and serve as potential SPORE projects in the future. Enabling an expansion of the DRP/CEP, NCI/SPORE funding will be complemented by funds from Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center (SCCC) and UTSW, providing $400,000/year. The DRP will aim to award 3 to 6 projects per year. The DRP will accomplish its mission through the following Aims. Aim 1. Expand translational kidney cancer research by providing seed funding for promising translational projects. Aim 2. Identify and recruit a pool of promising scientists and physician-scientists. Aim 3. Nurture the development and progress of the DRP projects and facilitate the transition of successful projects into competitive applications for peer-reviewed funding. Aim 4. Support SPORE DRP awardees to ensure that scientific advances are translated into improved outcomes for kidney cancer patients.