Jakub Paś

The DATAGENOM project extends from genome analysis, through cloning, expression, enzyme production, screening and protein engineering, to the enzymatic production of chiral biomolecules. The design of the project takes advantage of broad funnel-approach starting with innovative data-mining and processing of a large number of genes to ensure high flow-through in the process and rational selection of best enzyme candidates. The purpose of this progress meeting of the DATAGENOM project is to report on the progress made for the third period and remaining plans for the final steps and conclusion of the project. Also to define any required assistance between members to complete the work.

The general objective of the Sino-European Project on SARS Diagnsotics and Antivirals (SEPSDA) is to carry out a complete analysis of the genome and the proteome, including the structural proteome, of the SARS coronavirus and to use the knowledge gained for the rational discovery of antiviral compounds as well as for the development of new, more specific diagnostics. The meeting was held in Sino-German Center for the Promotion of Science in Beijing and was the important part of the mid-term review of the project.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) accounts for approximately 12-15% of intracranial neoplasms. The GBM remains refractory to therapy because of tumor heterogenity, local invasion, and non-uniform vascular permeability to drugs. Patients with GBM have the median survival of approximately 8-10 months, and for those cases where tumor recurs, the average time of tumor progression after therapy is only eight weeks. A combination of different treatment modes as surgery and chemo- or/and radiotherapy extend survival only for a short time, if any. Recently, tenascin-C (TN-C) as a dominant epitope in glioblastoma has been discovered. Tenascin-C is a multidomain large extracellular matrix glycoprotein composed of six monomers. The size of tenascin-C monomers (180-250kDa) varies as a result of an alternative splicing of the fibronectin repeats at the pre-mRNA level. For the first time we applied bioinformatic and molecular modeling procedures, for detailed analysis of the organization of tenascin-C a

The BioScience Partnering event provided excellent opportunities for researchers and representatives in the area of Life Sciences and Biotechnology from both regions to establish new contacts and joint activities. The program included presentations of both regions followed by scientific talks about key science activities and important research topics in the Life Sciences. Participants were invited to present a poster at the venue. The initiative BioScience Partnering invited all participants to apply for a traveling grant to bring forward new ideas for bilateral cooperation. Furthermore, the co:bios FOUNDATION offered the possibility for PhD students to participate at a research project in the region Berlin-Brandenburg. The event was jointly organised by the BioScience Partnering initiative of Berlin-Brandenburg together with the Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan (Poland). As an activity in the context of the German-Polish Year the meeting was supported by the Bundesminsterium für