Risk Factors in Neurodegeneration – RFN
NOTE: Starts with the October 2026 Council round submission dates (Cycle I due dates). This study section was evaluated as part of CSR’s ENQUIRE process to align study sections with advances in science. Learn more about ENQUIRE.
Scientific Review Officer
The Risk Factors and Therapeutics for Neurodegeneration Study Section reviews applications that examine risk factors for neurodegeneration such as genetics, environmental, metabolic, and sleep disorders. Validates therapeutic approaches and biomarkers through preclinical studies using cell-based and animal models.
Review Dates
A roster for the panel will be posted here, at least 30 days prior to the review meeting
Topics
- Pre-clinical assessment of therapeutics strategies such as drugs, stem cells, and viral vectors using integrated physiological and cellular/molecular approaches.
- Genetic and epigenetic factors including DNA damage and repair and roles of microRNAs in the risk, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, and progression of neurodegenerative diseases and pathological aging.
- Risk factor genes for neurodegenerative diseases such as APOE alleles, TDP-43, GBA1, etc.
- The use of iPSC and organoids as experimental tools in assessing therapeutic approaches.
- Small animal neuroimaging studies (sMRI, sMRI, PET, etc.) and biomarkers
- Link of hypoxic/ischemic and traumatic brain injuries to neurodegeneration
- Metabolic factors and pathways involved in etiology and pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases and diabetic neuropathy
- Environmental factors and exposes to toxins in etiology and pathophysiology in aging and neurodegeneration
- Sleep disorders as a contributing factor in neurodegeneration.
- The effects of drug administration on CNS activity and structure (e.g., L-DOPA)
