Germany starts BMBF funded Epigenome Program DEEP

On September 1, 2012, a new era of genome research starts in Germany. 21 research groups from all over Germany have formed the German Epigenome Program DEEP (“Deutsches Epigenom Programm”).

The knowledge about markers that exist in addition to genetic information will allow completely new insights into cell-specific programs of healthy and diseased, young and old cells. DEEP is the German contribution to the worldwide coordinated International Human Epigenome Consortium (IHEC). Here, researchers aim at the decoding of 1000 epigenomes by adhering to consistent standards. This allows extensive comparable data analyses and assessment. Within DEEP, the German scientists will analyze cells that play a role in obesity, inflammatory bowel diseases and arthritis. For the DEEP program, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, BMBF, provides 16 Million Euros for the next five years.

Read more in the complete press release (in German).