DHGP

In June 1995 Germany joined the international efforts of the Human Genome Project. The German Human Genome Project (DHGP) is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). The initiative aims to systematically identify and characterize the structure, function and regulation of human genes, in particular those with medical relevance.

The national research efforts are integrated with international activities of the Human Genome Project while increasing the German contribution. To promote and channel the application of the obtained scientific results a Patent and Licensing Agency was established that supports scientists in patent affairs.

The comprehensive analysis of the human genome will give rise to a basic understanding of the function of the human organism. Due to the more detailed knowledge about the molecular mechanisms, physicians will be able improve diagnostics and therapy. The significance of this project, however, goes far beyond the field of genetic diseases. The knowledge of all molecular elements of the human body will help pharmaceutical industry to find new targets for more effective drug development.

The inner core of the project (funded by the BMBF) is formed by the Resource Center, research centers and research groups. It is characterized by a high degree of integration, effective utilization of common resources and tightly organized coordination by a scientific coordinating committee (elected members: Rudi Balling, Munich; Hans Lehrach, Berlin; Jens Reich, Berlin). The inner core is complemented by associated research groups (funded by the DFG) which for example focus on the analysis of one specific gene, regulation mechanism or disease.

Currently, 34 projects that were selected by an internationally composed scientific advisory board are funded by the BMBF. In addition, 15 projects, so-called "associated working groups" are funded by the DFG. For the whole initiative about DM 45 Mio (roughly US$ 25 Mio) per year are available for conducting the projects allocated to the following areas:

Large scale genetic linkage analysis with an emphasis on multifactorial and complex traits, physical mapping (focused on chromosomes 17, 21, and X), sequencing (particularly 7, 21, X, and full length cDNA), expression studies, bioinformatics, studies of model organisms, and human evolution. Special attention is also given to ethical aspects of human genome studies.

Most of the funded projects are allocated to national research centers ("Helmholtz-Zentren"), Max Planck Institutes and universities, especially in Berlin, Heidelberg and Munich. The location of the individual projects is indicated below.

The Resource Center at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, and the Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, constitutes the central structural unit. It generates, collects and files standardized reference materials and distributes them among all groups participating in the DHGP. Its extensive services can also be obtained by other researchers.

Localization of the projects of the German Human Genome Project within Germany

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