Research infrastructure
For successful translational biomedical research, state-of-the-art technological platforms are a basic prerequisite. For this reason, the DZD is specifically strengthening the expansion of research infrastructures for key technologies at the DZD locations and setting up central service facilities.
This includes preclinical models, geno- and phenotyping, epidemiological cohorts, high-throughput screening platforms and a GMP laboratory for tissues and cells for transplantation. In addition, central service facilities of the DZD – such as clinical study management, biosample and data management, DZDconnect, or the Core Unit Computational Biomedicine – provide an ideal basis for the high-quality and cost-effective investigation of scientific research topics.
Preclinical Model Systems
To develop new therapeutic concepts, a deep understanding of the pathology of diabetes in humans and animal models is essential.
- German Diabetes Mouse Clinic: standardized mouse models with a research focus on metabolic disorders and diabetes
- Large animal model: pig model for the translation of research results to humans
- Human Islet Biobank: human pancreatic tissue for the investigation of novel therapeutic approaches in the area of the beta cell
- Zebrafish
Translational Research
In the DZD, the successful development of new therapies – the translation of research results – is supported by suitable infrastructures:
- Clinical studies: DZD Clinical Studies Platform – central studies and data management of clinical studies of the DZD
- Cohorts: large population-based studies (cohort studies) provide insights into the influence of genes, the environment and lifestyle. KORA and EPIC cohorts – epidemiological cohort studies – serve as the basis for data and samples for diabetes. The DZD Prediabetes Cohort encompasses 8,106 patients for the development of personalized prevention strategies for type 2 diabetes.
- High-throughput Screening Platform
- MedChem Expertise Center of the German Centers for Health Research (DZG)
Genotyping and Phenotyping
Modern technologies and imaging methods enable detailed mapping of the genome (total genetic information) or physiological parameters (phenotype)
- Omics technologies
- Genomics, proteomics, metabolomics
- Platform of imaging methods for the preclinical and clinical research areas
Biosamples
Biosamples such as blood, tissue, or urine are indispensable in biomedical diabetes research, for example to find new biomarkers for earlier and better diagnosis. In the clinical studies, the DZD collects human biomaterials for the DZD Biobank. The advantage is that these biosamples, in conjunction with the collected data of these excellently phenotyped donors, represent an extraordinary added value for future research projects.
Contact: Dr. Brigitte Fröhlich, DZD Head Office