DEEP is the German contribution to the International Human Epigenome Consortium (IHEC), which aims to decrypt 1000 epigenomes worldwide. The German contribution concerns the analysis of cells that play a part in obesity, inflammatory intestinal diseases and arthritis. DEEP partners are the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg, the German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ) in Berlin, EURICE – European Research and Project Office GmbH, the Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IFADO) in Dortmund, the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in Berlin, the Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics in Freiburg, the Max-Planck Institute for Computer Science (MPII) in Saarbrücken, the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin, Quiagen AG in Hilden, Sanofi-Aventis in Frankfurt-Höchst, the University of Duisburg-Essen, Kiel University, the University of Münster, the Universität Regensburg and Saarland University. The group led by Prof. Dr. Jörn Walter at the Saarland University will be responsible for coordination of the DEEP programme and part of the data production.

The findings on epigenetic markers of the genetic material in the cells are expected to ultimately deliver insights on how lifestyle factors, for instance nutrition, alter certain gene functions in the affected cells. Epigenetics is therefore of great significance for health policy issues, both in terms of future therapeutic approaches and in terms of prevention.

Further information: http://www.uni-saarland.de/nc/aktuelles/artikel/nr/6575.html

Contact:
Professor Dr. Jörn Walter
Phone: +49 (0) 681 - 3024367
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