National Cancer Institute, Research Contracts Branch, PSAS, 6120 Executive Blvd, EPS/Room 638, Bethesda, MD 20892-7227

A -- SERVICES SOL RFQ80232(NR) DUE 092298 POC Marsha Gorham, Purchasing Agent, (301)402-4509 & Todd Cole, Contracting Officer The Environmental Epidemiology Branch (EEB), Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), National Cancer Institute (NCI) plans to procure the services of the Department of Pathology, Urology and Biochemistry, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 626, Rochester, NY 14642. The influence of androgens on the growth and proliferation of prostate cancer cells has been recognized for many years. Responses to androgen are mediated through its receptors, that is a transcription factor and a member of the steroid receptor superfamily. Genetic variation in the androgen receptors (AR) may be associated with risk of prostate cancer or prognosis. The trinucleotide microsatellite of CAG repeats in exon 1 of the AR gene is polymorphic in humans. The average number of CAG repeats differs significantly among African Americans, Caucasian, and Asian American populations in the United States. The inverse correlation of repeat number with prostate cancer risk led to speculation that the number of CAGs may be related to the development of prostate cancer. Two recent case-control studies in the U.S. have shown that shorter CAG repeats are associated with an increased risk. In addition, men with fewer repeats of both CAG and GGN have a much higher risk of prostate cancer compared to men with only one type of short repeats. It is not clear whether these polymorphisms are functional and whether they can explain the substantial racial differences in prostate cancer risk. To provide additional insight, we propose to evaluate the role of CAG,GGN, and GGC repeats through samples from an ongoing NCI-China collaborative case-control study of prostate cancer. A limited amount of DNA (200-300 mg) is available from 728 study subjects to perform the evaluation of CAG, GGN, and GGC repeats. In addition, PCR assaying with assurance of no contamination is necessary. Given the nature of these studies and the noted requirements, the laboratory must have the ability to clone and use PCR to assess the number of repeats acrossall three markers using the same vial simultaneously so an internal standard can be available for this study (this does not have to be done across all 728 samples -- only to establish the standard). This procedure will prevent the number of freezings and thawings of the DNA samples, as well as, the handling of DNA samples to reduce contamination at the laboratory. Since Dr. Chang of the University of Rochester has extensive experience in androgen receptors, including cloning and sequencing repeats, and the university's laboratory can perform assays on all three markers (CAG, GGN, and GGC) simultaneously with a minimal amount of DNA (less than 20 mg), the University of Rochester is the only source known to NCI that can meet the requirements of this study. If any interested party believes it can perform the above work and maintain the reliability of all data with minimum contamination, it may submit a statement of capabilities. The statement of capabilities and any other information furnished must be in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NCI to determine if the party can perform this requirement. Capability statements must be received in the contracting office by 3:00 p.m. EST, on September 22, 1998. If you have any questions, please contact Marsha Gorham, Purchasing Agent on (301) 402-4509. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Posted 09/03/98 (W-SN245708). (0246)

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