EULAR

EULAR Genomics Study Group

The European League against Rheumatism (EULAR, www.eular.org) was founded on 4th September 1947 on the occasion of the 1st European Congress of Rheumatology held in Copenhagen . With social leagues from 29 and scientific organisations from 42 European countries, this organisation endeavours to stimulate, promote, and support the research, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of rheumatic diseases. The major scientific work of EULAR is carried out by Standing committees, for instance the Standing Committee on Clinical Trials and the Standing Committee on Investigative Rheumatology. These are subdivided according to important topics which are carried out by designated study groups. EULAR study groups define and develop guidelines and exchange knowledge established in different countries and institutions. The genomic study group was initiated in 2001 and is constantly growing. To collate data, to improve collaboration between different European groups engaged in genomic research and to support functional interpretation of the plethora of genomic data, EULAR has granted an initiative to establish bioinformatics tools for data management by the genomics study group. As this platform unifies many European research groups, the EULAR study group as a partner of Autocure will be responsible for the integration of groups that are not immediate partner by organising workshops, training courses, exchange programs, and networking.

The current Chairperson of both the Standing Committee on Investigative Rheumatology and its Genomic Study Group is Professor Lars Klareskog, Stockholm and the Secretary is Tom Huizinga, Leiden.

Prof Reinhold Schmidt, University of Hannover, Germany , will have the main responsibility for bringing basic immunology into the consortium, and will in particular be responsible for a liaison between the AutoCure consortium and the Federation of European Immunology Societies, where Prof. Schmidt is member of the board.

Prof George Kollias, University of Athens, Greece, will contribute his extensive experience in using genetically modified animals in the study of pathogenesis and treatment of arthritis and other autoimmune conditions. He will be responsible within the EULAR Genomics Study Group for coordinating work concerning use of animal models for arthritis, and will be asked to participate in developing plans for use of genetically modified animals in the work packages where use of these animals' models is relevant.

Professor Ian McInnes from Glasgow, Scotland, will be responsible within the EULAR genomic study group for coordinating activities related to studies on the role of Il-15 and Il-18 in arthritis, and have a special role in the interaction with partner 15 (Genmab).

The EULAR genomics study group will also have a special role in the dissemination of knowledge and techniques and not least information management systems into a wider European rheumatology research community encompassing groups working not only with RA and myositis, but also with other rheumatic diseases, notably other inflammatory disorders.

Prof. Paul Emery's group form Leeds University , U.K., will bring in his vast experience with defined patient cohorts, especially with regard to early arthritis and those under treatment with biologics. Moreover, there is a very good expertise with regard to studying the gene expression of mesenchymal stem cells derived from the synovium.

The study group meets at least annually and organizes a comprehensive workshop every other year. The topic for the next meeting to be held in Leiden will be - among others - the development of guide lines for molecular tools to study gene expression in rheumatic diseases.