In this proposal, four laboratories from the Eastern European countries intend to join the EC Concerted Action for the coordination of Cystic Fibrosis research and therapy (PL 921391). This project has the following objectives:
*to develop patient data bases to record infornmation correlating genotype with clinical severity of the disease,
*to develop testing methods, by searching for common mutations, or by scanning for new mutations. This will allow to characterize the spectrum of CF defects in each country and to provide the data obtained in the existing European data base of CF mutations,
*to develop central reference laboratories with appropriate training of laboratory personnel,
*to implement effective population screening programmes (carrier screening and neonatal screening).
Some objectives are more specific to certain centres.
*The Estonian team focuses its efforts on developing a new and attractive method for mutation detection, based on fluorescent prinner extension analysis.
*One of the main objectives pursued by the centre from the Czech Redublic is focused on the study of infectious factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in CF patients (exogeneous factors, phenotypic and genotypic characters of the strains), as well as the development of an animal model for chronic infection and the development of immunomodulators which could be used in therapy.
Finally,this proposal will establish a high level of skill in the various participating laboratories. A network of information and support will be set up to strengthen CF research in these countries.