Full utilization of our study samples requires technologies of high-throughput technologies for genetic, transcription, and protein profiling. Innovation of, training in, and provision of advanced technologies are some of the key elements of NCoEDG. A special strength of the NCoEDG is the pooled expertise in technology know-how.

The groups in Uppsala have a strong background in technology development and have pioneered several important methods, e.g. OLA, minisequencing, padlock probes, and protein detection via proximity ligation. Dr Syvänen is responsible for the Swedish WCN SNP genotyping platform (www.genotyping.se) that offers high-throughput SNP genotyping services based on minisequencing. In Helsinki Dr. Taipale has established a promising technology for identification and characterization of regulatory elements, and in Århus Dr. Ørntoft will contribute an advanced microarray facility for analysis of gene expression in human and animal tissue samples.

This core will also be connected to an EU FP6 project coordinated by Dr. Landegren (MolTools) to develop next-generation DNA microarray technologies for resequencing large regions, high-resolution genotyping, gene expression measurements at levels of RNA and protein, and application of cell arrays for functional analyses. The core will integrate the expertise in high-throughput technologies in genotyping, sequencing, and transcript profiling and make them accessible at the lowest cost for the investigators in the participating groups.

(Leader Ulf Landegren)