GENPRO

Enhancing BSRC Al. Fleming research potential in genomics and proteomics applications

EU FP7-REGPOT-2009-1 program (Project number: 245497)

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Overview
 

The completion of the sequencing of the human genome and that of many other species represents a landmark in modern biology, which opens new avenues for the pursuit of global approaches aimed at understanding our basic genetic makeup and learning how variations in genetic instructions result in disease. Understanding how the genetic information is selectively retrieved during the cellular differentiation processes of normal development or by external and internal signals and how this process becomes uncontrolled in various diseases is a major challenge of current and future research in the post-genomic era. In the past years key technological advances have revolutionized genome and proteome analysis research. Next-generation sequencing technologies are beginning to be used in new and rapidly growing family of assays for measuring global genome-wide profiles of mRNAs, small RNAs, transcription factor-binding sites, chromatin structure and DNA methylation status. The key advantages over microarray-based methods are: true genome-wide identification capabilities in an unbiased way, orders of magnitude higher dynamic range in resolution, speed and cost effectiveness.
The analysis of proteomes is significantly more challenging and complicated than sequencing genomes for two main reasons. First, in higher eukaryotes, a single gene often produces many different forms of the protein, primarily due to alternative splicing and various post-translational modifications, which can result in important functional differences. Secondly, genomes are largely static throughout the lifetime of a cell or organism, but proteomes vary dramatically. The next-generation proteome analysis systems are the result of new mass spectrometry platforms introduced by several companies. These platforms combine instrumentation and data analysis capabilities for significantly higher throughput proteomics with better dynamic range and sensitivity, which at least theoretically enable approaches for near complete cataloguing the protein components in biological samples.

The key objectives of GENPRO are:

1. Expansion of capabilities of genomics and proteomics research at BSRC Al. Fleming by the acquisition of new equipments (ABI SOLID4 Sequencer and Thermo Fisher Orbitrap XL Mass Spectrometer)
2. Recruitment of incoming researchers with expertise in new-generation genomics and proteomics technologies.
3. Exchange of know-how and experience in new-generation genomics and proteomics approaches through twinning with Mentor Labs.
4. Development of strategic partnerships with centers of excellence in Europe.
5. Disseminating and promoting knowledge in genomics and proteomics science at local, regional and international level.