REPORT

From theBasic Science

Review Work Group

National Institute on Drug Abuse

May 2006

National Institute on Drug Abuse

Division of Basic Neuroscience and Behavioral Research

NIDA Basic Science NIDA Basic Science Review Work GroupReview Work GroupNIDA Basic Science NIDA Basic Science Review Work GroupReview Work Group

Linda Porrino, Ph.D, ChairBarry Lester, Ph.D.John P. Rice, Ph.D.

Guy Cabral, Ph.D.Frank Ivy Carroll, Ph.DKathryn Cunningham, Ph.D Yasmin Hurd, Ph.D.Michael Nader, Ph.D. Marina Picciotto, Ph.D.Stanley Watson, M.D., Ph.D.

First Meeting November 17-18, 2005Second Meeting March 8-9, 2006

NIDA Council Members Other Members

NIDA Basic Science NIDA Basic Science Review Work GroupReview Work Group

Review of the current Basic Science program portfolio Recommendations to strengthen the current program Input into the 5-year plan for NIDA’s Basic Science

program with an emphasis on:– Genetic vulnerability and protection– Epigenetics (interactions of environment and genetics)– The genetics and neurobiology of social behavior– Molecular biology of addiction

Examination of the organization and management of DBNBR and its interactions with other NIDA Divisions/Centers

Charge: To produce a written report that includes…

Review FindingsReview Findings

Cross-cutting findings and recommendations Theme-specific findings and recommendations

– Processes and mechanisms of addiction– Genetic vulnerability to drug abuse– Pain and analgesia– AIDS, HCV, virology– Development– Chemistry and medicinal chemistry– Social neuroscience

Cross-cutting Findings:Cross-cutting Findings:AccomplishmentsAccomplishments

Exceptionally strong and forward thinking portfolio Recruitment of excellent scientists in and outside

the field of substance abuse Strong leadership and staff Ability to identify new areas of importance to NIDA

and recruit a critical mass to the area Training of new investigators Efforts to increase gender and minority diversity Thematic approach that cuts across branches

Cross-cutting Findings:Cross-cutting Findings:OpportunitiesOpportunities

Encouraging translation across NIDA Divisions– Formation of a Task Force on Translational Addiction Research– Assignment of grants to program staff of more than one Division– Formation of an Innovation Committee made of up of

representatives from each Division to provide support for potential high payoff applications beyond the pay line

Focus on development of improved animal models with greater predictive value

Improve dissemination of information about NIDA services

Continue efforts to encourage grantees to utilize Roadmap and Blueprint funding mechanisms

Theme-Specific Findings:Theme-Specific Findings:AccomplishmentsAccomplishments

Establishment of the NIDA Genetics Consortium and the studies utilizing these resources

Expanding studies across the life span: Addition of studies in adolescence to the development portfolio

Development of programs in the area of lipidomics Program for the distribution of drugs and other

materials Basic science studies of virology and immunology Continued development of animal models that better

mimic various aspects of the human drug experience

Theme-Specific Findings:Theme-Specific Findings:OpportunitiesOpportunities

Addition of neurobiology of social behavior as a thematic area with an emphasis on genetics and epigenetic studies

Further emphasis on developmental studies through the establishment of a Developmental Research Program in the Office of the Director

Expanded emphasis on the Genetics Consortium Continued emphasis on HIV/AIDS, particularly

animal models and interactions beyond opioids Continued emphasis on the development of safe and

effective pain medications

Conclusions/SummaryConclusions/Summary

DBNBR has established strong research programs central to the mission of NIDA: to bring the power of science to bear on problems of drug abuse.

DBNBR plays a critical role in translation of basic science conducted in their division to studies of human patients conducted in other NIDA divisions

Opportunities to enhance basic science include:– Investment in emerging areas of social neuroscience and

epigenetics– Strengthened dissemination of services– Continued fostering of the careers of new investigators– Continued emphasis on the “revolution” in the ways science will

be conducted in the future