GENTRECAD · GENOME-WIDE CHARACTERIZATION OF TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATORY ELEMENTS, PATHWAYS AND ASSOCIATED GENETIC VARIATIONS INVOLVED IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

GENTRECAD builds on PROCARDIS, a large European integrated project designed to identify susceptibility genes for coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD has a complex multifactorial aetiology including a substantial heritable component. The current challenge addressed by GENTRECAD is to identify and characterise the genes and gene variants that are functionally implicated, as a basis for designing new targeted treatments and diagnostics. Inflammation plays a key role in the development of CAD. GENTRECAD will take a systematic approach to the in vivo identification and characterization of genomic regulatory regions and active binding sites of selected transcription factors that are expressed and control gene expression in inflammatory macrophages and aims at revealing common genetic variation that affects these processes. Expected deliverables include a limited number of key regulatory pathways in macrophages that are implicated in CAD. Secondly, novel bioinformatics tools will be provided for in silico prediction of regulatory elements and pathways. Results from GENTRECAD will be relevant to other common disabling multifactorial inflammatory diseases as well. Through GENTRECAD, the applicant will be trained in state-of-the-art methodologies in genomics, proteomics, applied bioinformatics and clinical genetics. The multidisciplinary nature of the project will develop her collaborative skills, promote in dependence and increase competitiveness.