European research area
Relevance to the objectives of the LifeSciHealth priority
European research efforts should focus on the new prospects that are opening up through multi-disciplinary research and on the need of European citizens as mentioned in the European communication "Life sciences and biotechnology - A Strategy for Europe". Therefore, one of the areas within the 6th Framework Programme is aimed at gaining fundamental knowledge and basic tools for functional genomics in all organisms. Fundamental knowledge is clearly central to our desire to understand molecular mechanisms that regulate gene function. However, a major justification of this quest for knowledge is the desire to apply this information to enhance improvements of health and wealth throughout Europe . EPI-vector aims to apply fundamental knowledge on genome structure and function to the development of efficient, safe and sustained gene delivery systems with a wide range of therapeutic applications. This requires a multidisciplinary approach to applied functional genomics. This proposal directly addresses the following topics.
EPI-vector directly addresses major aspects of the topic LSH-2002-1.2.4-7 using:
- Cell and molecular techniques to decipher basic mechanisms of chromatin function.
- A multidisciplinary functional genomics approach.
- The development of gene expression systems to maximize safety and efficacy of gene therapy. Protocols will be developed to deliver regulated gene expression using well-established model systems including stem cells.
Contribution to European Strategy for Life Sciences and biotechnology
The European strategy towards life sciences and biotechnology states that European research efforts should focus on multidisciplinary research aimed at the needs of and opportunities for Europe and its citizens, both private and public. Furthermore, the strategy aims at the development of new products deriving from newly developed knowledge or the creation of enabling technologies, which will serve as catalysts for new products.
The fundamental knowledge of molecular mechanisms of chromatin function that will be addressed by the EPI-vector programme will contribute directly to the needs of European health research. Our research will lay the foundation for rational and efficient gene therapies and gene delivery systems and subsequent health strategies against a wide variety of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and infectious diseases.
Relevance to the European Research Area
Besides the evident relevance to the objectives of both the LifeSciHealth priority and the European Strategy for Life Sciences and biotechnology, EPI-vector also fits several of the main issues as defined in the European Research Area.
One of the main pillars of the European Research Area is to increase the impact of European scientific and technological cooperation by countering the currently fragmented knowledge. The result of this will improve the performance of European research, hence will make Europe a more competitive and leading economy in the world. Elements defined in the European Research Area are a European approach, involvement of associated states and SME's as well as a global need and impact of the research.
The collaboration that has been established to perform EPI vector meets these major needs of the ERA. There is no doubt that work carried out in this project will impact on the ERA at the level of:
- Generating fundamental knowledge about chromatin function
- Bringing together a multidisciplinary team to enhance knowledge acquisition
- Stimulate and encourage the mobility and training of scientists across Europe
- Developing gene expression systems for therapeutic and commercial application
- The potential socio-economic benefits for human health are immense
Some relevant EC publications
FP 6 WORK PROGRAMME 1.1.1 LIFE SCIENCES, GENOMICS AND BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR HEALTH.
Life Sciences and Biotechnology, A strategy for Europe, COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS, Brussels, COM(2002) 27.
Life Sciences and Biotechnology, A strategy for Europe, COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS, Brussels, COM(2002) 27.
Making a reality of the European research Area: Guidelines for EU research activities (2002-2006), COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS, Brussels, 4.10.2000 COM(2000) 612 final;
Towards a European Research Area, COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS, Brussels, 18 January 2000, COM(2000) 6;
The European Research Area: providing new momentum, COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION, Brussels, 16 October 2002, COM(2002) 565 final.