CIC bioGUNE takes part in the new European network SYSGENET (European systems genetics network for the study of complex human diseases using mouse genetic reference populations). The main goal of this network is to settle, keep and use mice populations able to emulate the genetic variability in humans.

Up to 30 institutions from 15 different European countries take part in this network, which is coordinated by Klaus Schughart, from the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research in Braunschweig (Germany). SYSGENET counts with the participation of CIC bioGUNE’s researchers Juan Manuel Falcón and Ana Mª Aransay, two of the three Spanish representatives in the organising committee of this Action.

In the last decades, the use of model organisms such as mice has lead to major advances in the knowledge of genes involved in several diseases, especially thanks to the use of transgenic and knockout mice.

“However, the study of how these genes interact and their different polymorphisms under different conditions, which ultimately give rise to existing variations among different individuals, has not been so fruitful. The main reason for that has been the lack of a well-controlled model system with high genetic variability and able to simulate the existing diversity in humans and to study, on a multigene basis, complex processes such as obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, cancer, neurological disorders or the set-up and development of different infectious diseases” states Juan Manuel Falcón.

Mice populations regarded as genetic references, showing a high extremely well controlled genetic variability and providing a high-performance genetic map, offer the scientific community a valuable reference model for the identification and characterisation of gene networks involved in the expression of a certain phenotype like the development or progression of a disease or the resistance or susceptibility to an infection. This is a key element to look for new disease-related biomarkers.

“In addition, this model system is quite interesting for the pharmaceutical industry since it allows pre-clinical tests at population level dealing with the toxicity of a certain drug and consequently, providing early information about the prospects of the drug development process (before addressing human populations), which imply significant cost savings” concludes Falcón.

SYSGENET is an action promoted by the European Science Foundation (ESF) through the European Cooperation in Science and Technology COST programme. This tool encourages cooperation, mobility and excellence in key areas (such as biosciences) and is one of the main pillars for joint research in Europe.