Project CASK Grant Program

Project CASK Grant Program

Project CASK, in collaboration with the Orphan Disease Center, is seeking proposals to advance research that supports therapeutic development for CASK gene disorders.

Background

The X-linked CASK gene provides instructions for making a protein called calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine protein kinase (CASK), which is primarily found in neurons and helps control the expression of other genes involved in brain development. Mutations on the CASK gene are currently associated with two disorders, microcephaly with pontine and cerebellar hypoplasia (MICPCH) and XL-ID with or without nystagmus. The spectrum of neurological phenotypes associated with CASK variants is broad and includes global developmental delays, intellectual disability, epilepsy, or other seizure disorders, hypotonia, swallowing or feeding challenges, hearing and vision issues, and other neurological symptoms.

Funding

Proposed funding period is one or two years, beginning about one month after full applications are received.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

• All individuals holding a faculty‐level appointment at an academic institution or a senior position at a non‐profit institution or foundation are eligible to respond to this RFA.
• Project CASK will consider applications that will make a significant impact on the CASK community and the prospects for accelerating therapeutic development in one of two categories:
  • Grants to expand the study of disease mechanisms or to support clinical research.
  • At least two awards of $50,000 each for 12 months to the following:
  • Studies to perform molecular, cellular, and behavioral characterization of animal models for CASK‐related disorders.
  • Proposals to respond to key gaps in the knowledge of CASK disorders that are critical to the pursuit of therapeutic development.
  • Proposals should explain therapeutic potential.
  • Identification of short‐term biomarkers (molecular and functional) that can monitor disease activity and treatment response.
  • Establishment of outcome measures for future clinical trials.
  • Grants for the development of potential therapeutic interventions.
  • At least one award of up to $250,000 for two years to the following:
  • Drug repurposing and small molecules.
  • Gene therapies including innovative approaches that would address current limitations specific to the CASK gene.
  • RNA‐editing or other RNA‐based approaches.
  • Other novel techniques for x‐linked neurological disorders.
• Allowable direct costs:
  • Salary for PI
  • Salary/stipend and related benefits for graduate student/postdoctoral fellow/technical support
  • Travel (up to $1500)
  • Laboratory supplies and other research expenses
  • IDCs of 10% are included in the total award amount

Ineligibility

• Unallowable costs:
  • Consultant costs
  • Tuition
  • Professional membership dues
  • Equipment >$5,000
  • General office supplies, institutional administrative charges (e.g., telephone, other electronic communication, IT network, etc.)
  • Pre‐award charges
  • Any other expenses not directly related to the project