The projects of SMP-Cell form a functional research pipeline

• The German cDNA Consortium is one of few international projects with focus on molecular gene analysis. Open reading frames (ORFs) from human genes are cloned into expression vectors and sequence validated. This generates a quality controlled clone resource.

• Splice variants of these genes are systematically identified and verified, to obtain a comprehensive set of tools for the recombinant expression and functional analysis of splice forms in mammalian cell systems.

• The subcellular localization of the encoded proteins is determined over time, to take reference to the dynamics of proteins in living cells. This gives first indication of the functionality of proteins, because the natural habitat of any protein is basis for its potential to interact with other molecules and to carry out its activities.

• Systematic disease-relevant functional assays are developed and applied to identify potential targets for diagnosis and therapy. These assays synergistically add towards a comprehensive view on the cellular activities and disease relevance of the individual proteins.

• Standardization and quality control are essential for the generation of a useful resource, for the collection of statistically significant and reproducible data and information, as well as for the reliability of conclusions that are drawn in the pipeline.

• Bioinformatics provides tools and software for data and sample management, data analysis and dissemination, and is key to all experimental subprojects of SMP-Cell.

• Data is published through the LIFEdb database.