About us
FunGenES - "Functional Genomics in Embryonic Stem Cells" brings together experts in stem cell research from 18 organisations from industry and academic research across Europe. This research initiative is set up as an Integrated Project with a budget of approximately 12 Million Euros, partially funded by the 6th Framework Programme of the European Union. Specialists from Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, Greece and the UK collaborate for a period of 3 years to investigate the functional genomics of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells.
FunGenES aims to achieve a detailed basic understanding of stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. FunGenES investigates the unique ability of mouse embryonic stem cells to develop into any cell of an organ (this ability is also known as pluripotency), creates new tools for functional genomic studies and will thus provide key knowledge to understand the commitment of cells to a particular cell type. This complex process occurs in several steps and controls the development of pluripotent cells into highly specialised cells of an organism. In particular, FunGenES aims to identify genes controlling the development of the pluripotent ES cells into heart cells (cardiomyocytes), nerve cells (neurons), smooth muscle cells, vascular endothelial cells, fat cells (adipocytes), liver cells (hepatocytes) and insulin-producing cells of the pancreas.
FunGenES will deliver a gene expression atlas summarising the genetical pathways for cell differentiation. The project aims to contribute to future therapeutic strategies for degenerative diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and Parkinson's. All these diseases are characterised by the irreversible loss of functional cells.
FunGenES was selected from a large number of proposals to be funded as an advanced and promising project in the area of functional genomics in the Life-Science-Health Programme of the European Union. In addition to its ambitious scientific programme, FunGenES aims to inform the general public about stem cell research, its ethical aspects and future therapeutical applications
The project is coordinated by Professor Jürgen Hescheler (University of Cologne) Jürgen Hescheler is excited about the potential of the project: "By understanding how mammalian genomic information is selectively used in development, we will acquire an essential key to understanding ourselves and our health."
