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RESEARCH PROJECTS
The research projects within the CDC are divided in two clusters:
(H) Human genomics research cluster
The human genomics research cluster focuses on the identification of (aberrant) molecular pathways leading to disease development in order to improve diagnostic procedure, design a rational screening programme to identify children at risk of developing celiac disease, and generate leads for novel therapies based on fundamental insight into the role of particular molecules and/or molecular pathways in the onset of celiac disease. In this cluster four projects will be carried out:
H1. Elucidation of the genetic factors predisposing to CD
H2. Identification of the key molecular changes associated with gluten sensitivity/toxicity in genetically predisposed individuals
H3. Towards new strategies for prognosis and therapy of CD
H4. Pre-symptomatic CD diagnosis and population screening in national health care programmes
(F) Food genomics research cluster
The food genomics research cluster will concentrate on reduction of gluten intake by improving means for the detection of toxic gluten peptides in food products, evaluation of novel approaches for the degradation of toxic gluten peptides in food, and generation of rational tools to aid future breeding programs for the generation of safer wheat strains. In this cluster five projects will be carried out:
F1. Generation of tools for the detection of T cell stimulatory gluten peptides in cereals and food
F2. Determination of the interaction between host and food factors leading to the generation of T cell stimulatory gluten peptides in the gastrointestinal tract
F3. Determination of the toxicity and industrial qualities of wheat varieties
F4. Determination of the genetic gluten diversity in selected wheat varieties
F5. Determination of the accumulation of individual gluten proteins in selected wheat grains
A bioinformatics programme and a societal research programme support both clusters:
(B) Bioinformatics programme
B1. Extension of human genomics databases and generation of statistical methods for the simultaneous analysis of expression and genetic mapping data.
B2. Generation of bioinformatic infrastructure, a database on wheat gluten genomics, and a web-based, integrated information resource for the CDC.
(S) Societal research programme
The societal research programme focuses on the impact and acceptance of new foods, therapeutics, diagnostic and screening tools.