NHLBI TOPMed: Omics Phenotypes of Heart, Lung, and Blood Disorders (X01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), offers global leadership in research aimed at preventing and treating heart, lung, blood, and sleep (HLBS) disorders. With conditions like heart disease and chronic respiratory disease among the leading causes of death, NHLBI is invested in understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive these illnesses. Established in 2014, the NHLBI’s TransOmics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) program was created to facilitate large-scale genomic data generation for the scientific community, thereby accelerating insights into HLBS diseases. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) invites applications under the X01 Resource Access mechanism. It allows eligible researchers to request access to omics assay capacity supported by NHLBI. No monetary awards are issued; instead, awardees gain access to resources for generating multi-omics data, including whole genome sequencing (WGS), RNA-seq, methylome, proteome, and single-cell analyses. This initiative is part of a broader effort to transition TOPMed research from genetic mapping to mechanistic understanding using modern tools like AI and machine learning. Applicants must already possess high-quality biospecimens from well-phenotyped human subjects. Their proposed research should target specific knowledge gaps in HLBS disorders, especially where existing TOPMed data are insufficient. Preference is given to studies involving rare diseases or underrepresented populations and those that enhance the diversity or scientific value of the TOPMed data library. All resulting data must be shared publicly through NIH-designated controlled-access databases such as dbGaP or BioData Catalyst (BDC). Applications must conform strictly to NIH submission standards and use one of the following platforms: NIH ASSIST, institutional system-to-system (S2S), or Grants.gov Workspace. All applicants must have up-to-date SAM, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov registrations. The program does not allow clinical trials and has no associated financial support. Still, selected applications will be granted access to omics generation capacity, with data processed and harmonized by a designated informatics center. The application cycle opens on October 6, 2025, with multiple due dates spanning until February 2028. Although no letters of intent are required, applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM local time on the deadline date. Evaluation focuses on scientific merit, novelty, feasibility, biospecimen quality, and alignment with TOPMed goals. The project period may last up to three years, and recipients are expected to collaborate within the TOPMed consortium and contribute data for public research use. Contacts for research queries include Dr. Jane Ye and Dr. Ye Yan at NHLBI, while financial questions can be directed to NHLBI’s Office of Grants Management.

Apply early to allow time for corrections. Ensure biospecimens are well-characterized. Contact NHLBI staff to confirm alignment with program scope and assay capabilities