GEOCODE · Genomic & Epigenomic Complex Disease Epidemiology
FP7 — People (Marie Curie Actions)
- Duration
- 2010-03-01 → 2014-02-28
- EU contribution
- €772,200
- Participants
- 8
- Scheme
- MC-IRSES
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Genomic & Epigenomic Complex Disease Epidemiology
Publishable summary The overall aim of this joint exchange programme (GEoCoDE: Genomic and Epigenomic Complex Disease Epidemiology) was to establish a multilateral network of researchers active in genetic and epigenetic epidemiology, strengthen research capacity through exchange of knowledge and expertise in both areas and develop integrated approaches to investigate both genetic and epigenetic aspects of complex disease. The joint exchange programme involved 25 partners and was executed through a series of short and long term periods of staff exchanges between European and Third Countries and two workshops at which all participating partners were represented. The programme has been co-ordinated by the University of Bristol (UK). The programme was concerned with genetic and epigenetic epidemiology and work undertaken was of direct relevance to a wide variety of complex diseases including cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and perinatal health problems. The overall aim of the proposed exchange programme was to stimulate synergy and support internationally recognised research in this rapidly evolving field in the ERA and in participating Third Countries. The aims and main objectives of the exchange programme were achieved through conducting 91 researcher exchange visits representing 184 exchange months. Despite only undertaking 68% of proposed exchange visits, the programme exceeded its target deliverable with 2.7 times more grants awarded and 3.9 times more papers published than forecast. GEoCoDE has had a very positive impact on research in the field of genetic and epigenetic epidemiology, especially in capacity building and engagement of Third Countries. It has served to consolidate collaborative relationships and many members of the exchange network continue to collaborate closely. The findings emerging from this area of research are helping to shape the field and inform future biomedical research and drug discovery.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
Genetic and epigenetic epidemiology are rapidly developing aspects of population-based health research that have clear translational potential. These endeavours both benefit considerably from extensive international collaborations. Establishing robust associations between genetic variation and common complex disease phenotypes requires very large sample sizes than can only realistically be generated through collaborative work. Furthermore, exploring associations in populations with different historical origins contributes to location of functional variation. Interactions of genetic variation and environmental exposures are best studied against a background of widely different environments, something that is best leveraged between, rather than within, countries. Epigenetic patterns are clearly influenced by exposures such as 1-carbon composition of the diet that differ between countries, allowing considerably greater power for establishing associations. Triangulating environmental exposures, genetic variation and epigenetic mediation offers to provide a step-change in ability to detect causal associations, of direct relevance to therapeutic and preventive activities. GeoCoDE will assemble a group of investigators who are custodians of world-leading population resources, have access to appropriate technologies and have been involved in advancing methods of data analysis. Through exchange visits of senior and junior research staff, workshops and extensive networking we will contribute to major advance in European capacity in this field.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL · BRISTOLCoordinatorUnited Kingdom
- CENTRE INTERNATIONAL DE RECHERCHE SUR LE CANCER · Lyon 7emeFrance
- ERASMUS UNIVERSITAIR MEDISCH CENTRUM ROTTERDAM · RotterdamNetherlands
- FUNDACIO CENTRE DE RECERCA EN EPIDEMIOLOGIA AMBIENTAL - CREAL · BARCELONASpain
- THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER · ExeterUnited Kingdom
- UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI TORINO · TorinoItaly
- UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE · Newcastle Upon TyneUnited Kingdom
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON · SOUTHAMPTONUnited Kingdom
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union