Final Report Summary - EUGENE2 (European Network on Functional Genomics of Type 2 Diabetes) EUGENE2 was a Network of Excellence focused on functional genomics, genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics to unravel the complex pathogenesis of Type 2 diabetes and the specific role of the key target organs for insulin. This involved the dedication and the development of common research infrastructures in human and mouse genomics and bioinformatics combined with cohesive research efforts in transcriptional regulation, insulin signalling and action in the target-tissues. A concerted effort in applying functional genomic approaches in target cells, animal models and humans generated information necessary to make advances in health care, pharmaceutical development and public health policies. Type 2 diabetes is a complex polygenic disease where genetic susceptibility interacts with environmental factors. An early event in the development of Type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance, i.e. an impaired effect of insulin in the target tissues (muscle, adipose tissue and liver). Integrating activities related to common research platforms have been successfully established. These include the platforms for communication, proteomics, common resources and cell-lines and animal models. All these joint research platforms were extensively used by all partners. Research protocols for the use of jointly developed novel reagents were placed on the EUGENE2 intranet and accessible to participating scientists. Many new antibodies and cell- and molecular biology reagents were made available to the partners. These new reagents were sufficiently unique to attract European biotech companies as a source of sale. A contract was signed with Abyntek Biopharma, a Spanish company, which will sell EUGENE2 reagents under that very name as a registered trademark. This contract was signed by the UGOT Holding Company on behalf of the consortium. A joint centre for genotyping First-degree relatives (FDR) has been established. Twelve identified riskgenes have been genotyped and related to phenotype. Genome-wide associations have been performed for the unique FDR database (n = 1155) established in EUGENE2. The GWA studies will be continued long after the termination of the EUGENE2 project. Newly identified genetic markers of risk for Type 2 diabetes have to be validated in other populations. JER research has been carried out in order to fill the gaps in our knowledge about the causes and consequences of Type 2 diabetes. Novel genes have been identified and their functions characterised. Important new genes involved in key pathogenetic steps of Type 2 diabetes have been identified and published in the best international journals. These publications have evoked tremendous global interest and were also featured in media. For instance, one publication was followed by ~100 newspaper articles, four radio- and two TV interviews. Spreading of excellence has been successfully done both in terms of public information and the generation of new knowledge published in scientific journals or presented at symposia. Both TV and other media reports about the project have appeared. In all, we know that at least 200 media publications about EUGENE2 have appeared. 43 joint publications have been produced. During the first year of EUGENE2, one joint publication! In total, around 187 scientific papers, with acknowledgement to the project, were published during 2004 - 2009. During the last period ~30 % of all publications were jointly produced. Related documents Final Report - EUGENE2 (European Network on Functional Genomics of Type 2 Diabetes)
