Cystinosis Ireland Seedcorn Funding

This funding scheme aims to provide researchers with the opportunity to generate solid preliminary data which would contribute to a larger, sustainable, longer-term application for funding.

Geographic Scope: Supports researchers and research activity based outside of Ireland.

Eligibility:

• Researchers new to the field of cystinosis are particularly welcome
• Applications from researchers in scientific fields other than Biosciences and Clinical Sciences are welcome, where there is potential impact or application of the proposed research relevant to patients and families living with cystinosis
• Scientists in social sciences, engineering and other disciplines are encouraged to apply
• New, high-risk, blue-sky applications are particularly encouraged

Focus Areas:

• Drug eluting contact lenses for cystinosis therapy
• Developing human stem cell models for cystinosis and therapeutic potential of aspartate
• Unravelling the mechanisms of azoospermia and potential future treatments in male cystinosis
• Targeting autophagy in nephropathic cystinosis
• Side effects of cysteamine (halitosis, body odour, psychological impacts)
• Muscle weakness and swallowing problems
• Bone issues and skeletal abnormalities
• Early childhood feeding issues
• Models of care transition from childhood to adult care
• Social impacts of long-term childhood disease

Project Duration: 2-6 months (longer where justified)

Award Amount: Typically €10,000 per project, though the Cystinosis Executive will consider applications for more (even substantially more) where the project is well justified and relevant to patients and families living with cystinosis.

Research Review: All research proposals are subject to peer review.

Background: Cystinosis is a rare genetic disease that causes the amino acid cystine to accumulate in the body due to mutations in the CTNS gene. It is classified as an 'orphan disease' by EURODIS – Rare Diseases Europe. An estimated 2,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with cystinosis. The severest form, infantile nephropathic cystinosis, causes kidney failure before age 10.

Application Process

1. Contact the organization: Email research@cystinosis.ie to request an application form
2. Discuss your application: Contact research@cystinosis.ie to discuss any potential applications and your research ideas
3. Submit application: Researchers interested in this scheme should email to request the application form

Note: Applicants should highlight if their application represents new, high-risk, blue-sky research, as these are considered particularly favorably.