Human Genome Research

Human genome research provides entirely new prospects for fighting diseases. The application of modern molecular-biological methods and findings has already revolutionized day-to-day medical practice. Diagnosis, prevention and therapy of human diseases are increasingly based on our knowledge about molecular causes of diseases in every individual patient. With the German Human Genome Project (DHGP) and the National Genome Research Network (NGFN), the BMBF has launched two successful research initiatives.

The application of modern molecular-biological methods and findings can be used for tailor-made therapies for individual patients in exceptional cases based on knowledge about the patient's individual disease and his/her genetic constitution. It will be possible to recognize predispositions even before the onset of specific diseases by genetic analyses and to limit risk factors and harmful impacts of the environment by means of prevention. Findings of human genome research are of increasing importance for medical practice.
 
With the German Human Genome Project (DHGP) a systematic funding concept was published as early as in 1995 which led to a new quality of cooperation and networking in human genome research. This was achieved mainly by the development of integrative, centrally organized research and service structures (resource centre) and by the effective and efficient technology transfer between science and the biotechnology industry or the pharmaceuticals industry.
In the first funding phase till the end of 1999, the focus was on basic genetic analyses, such as the determination of the base sequence. In May 2000, the entire sequence of chromosome 21 was published. German researcher groups made a major contribution to this project which was coordinated by a researcher of the German Human Genome Project. Since April 2003, the entire human genome has be decoded.
 
In the second funding phase until 2004, the focus will be on the functional analysis of the human genome and the genome of model organisms. The Patent and Licensing Agency in the DHGP, which was founded in 1997, has supported numerous scientists in applying for patents. Spin-offs from the DHGP and its environment are a further positive effect. The BMBF supports the DHGP in this second funding phase with a total of €61.3 million.

With the establishment of the National Genome Research Network (NGFN) in 2001, the BMBF is continuing the successful work of the DHGP and implements a core activity of the Federal Government within the framework of the programme for investing in the future "Research for People". This package of measures will strengthen Germany's competitiveness in one of the most important future-oriented areas of science and industry in the long term. Five diseases which affect many people are being studied: cardio-vascular diseases, cancer, diseases of the nervous system, diseases caused by environmental factors, infections and inflammations. Ethic, social and legal issues of genome research are being integrated, and a broad dialogue is to be established with the general public. The BMBF will provide about €180 million for this research programme until mid 2004. Although the NGFN was only launched in 2001, the interdisciplinary efforts have already led to considerable successes. The vision of this internationally exemplary research project is to develop tailor-made therapies for the most common diseases or, ideally, to prevent an onset of the disease by means of preventive measures.

The second phase of the NGFN was launched in May 2004; the BMBF will make available another €135 million until 2007. About 300 new research projects will thus be funded. The focus of this funding phase is even more on disease-oriented genome research in the areas of cardio-vascular diseases, cancer, infections and inflammations, diseases caused by environmental factors and diseases of the nervous system. In addition to closely networked research projects, individual innovative research ideas will also be funded in this phase.