RTF VI: Sequence-based Profiling

Coordinators: P. Rosenstiel (CAU), A. Franke (CAU)

RTF VI "Sequence-based profiling" develops tools for molecular profiling of patients for precision medicine, and enables reliable access to sequencing methods and bioinformatic resources. Among other things, the structure is used for biomarker analysis in large cohorts of the cluster.

RTF VI is based on extensive and long-term work (since 2007) on "Next Generation Sequencing" (NGS). The NGS platform in Kiel has been continuously expanded and enlarged in recent years, and is by now one of the largest academic facilities of its kind that is also one of the four central DFG-funded NGS Centers in Germany (Competence Center for Genome Analysis Kiel, CCGA). NGS data from the platform has been successfully used in numerous previous international and high-profile research projects, such as the 1000 Genomes Project, IHEC/DEEP, GEUVADIS, EASI-Genomics, READNA and the ICGC.

The research area provides flexible and scalable sequencing technologies in the fields of genetics, epigenetics, functional genomics and microbiome research. In particular, the required laboratory procedures are standardized, diagnostic tools and sequencing methods are developed and integrative approaches are established for genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. Innovative approaches to examine complex tissues at the individual and single cell level are currently being tested.

The size and experience of the platform, as well as its high national and international profile make RTF VI unique in the North of Germany. The range of laboratory protocols offered, i.e. the diversity of the portfolio, is another characteristic feature of the platform. The high-throughput capacity enables the processing of several thousand samples within a short period of time. The individual cell technologies facilitate the description of new cell types and states with the highest possible resolution.

RTF VI will provide high-resolution profiles for individual patients. This makes PMI patients "transparent" at the molecular level, and thereby able to be analyzed objectively. The researchers want to use their modern technologies not only to determine the causes of disease in individual patients, but also to find new biomarkers for the early detection of diseases and for treatment management. In addition, the members are tackling the question of how to clearly report and represent the complex data for doctors (diagnostic findings), and possibly also for those affected.

RTF I for genomics, RTF II for microbial analysis, RTF III for iPSC/organoid research and RTF V for the integration of proteomics and metabolomics. The samples for RTF VI primarily come from the clinical projects CD-1, CD-2 and CD-5.

What does this research area's work build on?

What are the main research objectives?

What makes this research area special?

What does the research area contribute to precision medicine in chronic inflammation?

Cooperation with other research areas in the cluster

Members