The network

The Programme for Medical Genome Research is a large-scale biomedical research programme in extension of the National Genome Research Network (NGFN). 156 million Euros have been earmarked for the Programme for 2008 to 2011 by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). In NGFN-Plus, 26 Integrated Genome Research Networks focus on the systematic analysis of the molecular basis and on combating diseases that are central to health policy. In NGFN-Transfer, eight Innovation Alliances transfer results from medical genome research into medical and industrial application.

Main activities

The Programme for Medical Genome Research is a successor to the large funding initiatives of the BMBF in human genome research in Germany, the German Human Genome Project (DHGP, 1995-2004) and two phases of the National Genome Research Network. The latter has been supported with over 300 million euros in the years 2001 to 2008. In the programme, researchers in more than 60 locations throughout Germany cooperate in interdisciplinarily organised research consortia that connect large research institutes, universities, clinics, and small and medium-sized enterprises. Efficient utilisation of research capacities on the highest scientific level and of the latest technologies allows the investigation of the molecular cause of diseases with a high incidence and special importance in health policy. These diseases include cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diseases of the nervous system, infection and inflammation, and diseases linked to environmental factors. Application-oriented Alliances focus on the fast transfer of research results into medical and economical exploitation. High-throughput sequencing, the implementation of prognostic and diagnostic gene signatures, and the development of innovative molecular tools are examples.

The technological focus

The NGFN scientists cooperate in investigating the function of genes and proteins in the development of hitherto incurable diseases. The aim is to promote the development of innovative methods for prevention, diagnosis and therapy. The large repertoire of technologies includes methods of functional and structural genomics, proteomics, epigenetics, systems biology, bioinformatics, genetic epidemiology, genotyping, ("next-generation") sequencing and "proof-of-principle" approaches such as animal and tissue models. The technology development projects focus on innovative solutions in such fields as chip technology and material production and in the use of molecular tools like microRNA in diagnostics and therapy. Standardisation and quality control are benchmark procedures in all areas.

Highlights

The output of the NGFN includes over 80 patent applications, 2,400 scientific publications, and cooperation in 60 EU projects. NGFN scientists have already identified disease genes for allergies, chronic intestinal inflammation, alcoholism, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease and sarcoidosis as well as gene signatures for neuroblastoma, Parkinson's disease, prostate cancer and heart failure which constitute a substantial advance in prognosis and diagnosis. The identification of so-called biomarkers for prevention, diagnosis and therapy of a broad spectrum of diseases is one main focus of the NGFN scientists. They have also developed tools against autoimmune diseases, established systematic proof-of-principle approaches such as animal models and cell-based assays, used active semiconductor chips to develop highly complex peptide arrays and optimised micro-endoscopes for brain analysis. The success of the network is due to the intensive cooperation of scientists from all disciplines from clinics, universities and research institutes all over Germany. The fruitful collaborations in the NGFN are also the basis of cooperative efforts with international universities and research institutions such as participation in the international projects "1,000 Genomes Project", "Genomics and Physiopathology of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases" and the "International Cancer Genome Consortium". Of considerable significance for the work of the National Genome Research Network in the Programme of Medical Genome Research is the close synchronisation of science and industry. In the NGFN-Transfer sub-programme, in particular, the goal of this close cooperation is to transfer research results directly into the development and optimisation of diagnostics and therapeutics. For this purpose, the NGFN research groups have made cooperation agreements with selected companies of all scales at an early stage.