In recent years, a number of biologically important genes has been isolated from the genomes of a wide variety of organisms and subsequently characterized. The specific differentiation of cells and organs, the turning on and off of genes in this development and differentiation process and the effects of hereditary and acquired gene mutations are particularly complex. A new approach towards understanding such matters is offered by the method of conditional mutagenesis, by which genes and their regulation can be modified under specific conditions in cells.
Inducible promoters allow external activation and deactivation of genes.
The main emphasis of this program area is the investigation and development of such specific, conditional systems. Range of subjects Funds will be provided for innovative projects which either develop further or test new methodological approaches of conditional mutagenesis. A conditional mutation without gene targeting also merits consideration, e.g. by retroviral induction of conditionality. This includes systems of local induction. In projects of highest scientific originality the application of already existing methods of conditional mutagenesis is absolutely necessary.