# ICAL: Impact of Cannabinoids Across Lifespan: Pilot Project Core

> **NIH NIH P50** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · 2020 · $73,686

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY: PILOT CORE
The proposed NIDA Center of Excellence, entitled Impact of Cannabinoids Across the Lifespan (ICAL),
will test the hypothesis that non-physiological activation of the endocannabinoid system in adolescence
– caused by exposure to THC or one of its synthetic mimics – initiates a reprogramming of the genetic
and epigenetic processes that govern this system’s molecular structure, neuroanatomical architecture,
and synaptic functions, ultimately producing persistent abnormalities in cognition and motivated
behavior. To test this hypothesis, ICAL will deploy a vertically integrated strategy combining molecular,
neuroanatomical, electrophysiological, and behavioral approaches. ICAL’s scientific and programmatic
objectives will yield many opportunities for neuroscience and addiction researchers to explore exciting
new avenues of research. ICAL’s Pilot Core is designed to fulfill two major objectives of the Center: (1)
to foster innovative research that aligns with the Center’s scientific mission and maximizes use of its
research resources; and (2) to provide high-quality career development activities and mentorship for
junior investigators and/or investigators new to cannabinoid research. The Pilot Core will achieve these
objectives via its annual competition for pilot funding. The Core Director, Christine Gall, PhD, is
Professor and Chair of the Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology and Professor of Neurobiology &
Behavior at UCI. Dr. Gall will supervise the recruitment of projects and oversee their progress in
consultation with the Center director and co-director, the internal Steering Committee (SC) and External
Advisory Group (EAG). The Center’s Administrative Core will provide clerical support for this Core.
Junior investigators and/or investigators new to the field who receive ICAL pilot funding will be paired
with senior faculty members who will provide mentorship during the pilot project funding period and
after research is completed. In addition, pilot grantees will have access to the leadership and expertise
of the SC and the EAG. The Pilot Core will serve as a conduit for the exploration of new ideas as well
as an important venue for mentoring junior investigators and those new to the field. The Core’s
leadership will work to ensure that the potential for each individual project and project investigator is
fully realized.
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## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9934173
- **Project number:** 5P50DA044118-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE
- **Principal Investigator:** Christine M Gall
- **Activity code:** P50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $73,686
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9934173

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9934173, ICAL: Impact of Cannabinoids Across Lifespan: Pilot Project Core (5P50DA044118-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9934173. Licensed CC0.

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