Atherogenomics

The aim of our project was the identification and functional characterization of genomic sequence variation associated with clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis, to gain new mechanistic insights into the molecular pathogenesis of this disease and to develop gene-based diagnostic tools and facilitate the design of novel therapeutic strategies.

Using Genome Wide Association studies (GWAs), the scientists of our NGFN-consortium were able to identify new gene variants associated with Atherosclerosis. Consequently, we systematically validated and globalized our results. Additionally, , intermediate phenotypes were analyzed in epidemiological studies. To gain insight in the molecular pathophysiology of the genes identified, we performed functional analyses (transcriptome analyses, cell and animal models).

The coordinators of Atherogenomics also lead the global consortium CARDIoGRAM, which in 2009 combined all known GWA studies for myocardial infarction (MI) and coronary artery disease (CAD). By means of the different metaanalysis performed in the framework of Atherogenomics, the number of chromosomal loci associated with MI and CAD could be increased from 7 in 2007 to 46 (2013).

A new aspect addressed by Atherogenomics is a system biological approach integrating genomic, transcriptomic and functional data as well as environmental factors.

Together with the company EUROIMMUN AG, Artherogenomics is developing an in vitro diagnostic test system for an enhanced prediction, diagnosis and prognosis of cardiovascular diseases based on the gene variants found to be associated with these diseases.

The NGFN consortium Artherogenomics was able to bring together the leading experts on the field in Germany and thus to improve the quality of research and the benefit for the patients.

Latest results can be found in detail in the descriptions of the subprojects.