Introduction

The availability of total genome sequence information for over 100 species on the Web has dramatically increased our possibilities to define the biology of common diseases. In practice, however, we are still poorly prepared to tackle the molecular background of complex traits in a genome-wide manner cost-effectively. The NCoEDG aims to dissect genetic background of common diseases and their trait components by integrating special expertise and sample resources available in the Nordic countries.

The main focus of the research in NCoEDG will be on metabolic disorders, on autoimmune/inflammatory disorders and on colon cancer and their trait components. These disorders have been chosen because of their large and increasing clinical importance and because we have access to world-unique family collections and animal models for genetic studies of these diseases. These uniqe study samples, integrated exertise of top Nordic groups and a new strategy relying on across species comparisons and vast genome-wide information, analyzed with tools of biocomputing, will provide an excellent basis for new inventions and innovations, beneficial for health care in all Nordic countries and worldwide.

It is envisioned that the experience that members of this NCoEDG will gather will be essential for future European Biobank and Genetic Epidemiology projects.