Solve-RD at the IMPC 2021 conference

The ‘Mouse Genetics and Genomic Medicine’ virtual conference organised from 23-24 September 2021 by the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium –IMPC (https://www.mousephenotype.org) will celebrate the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the IMPC.

Solve-RD will present a poster on "Model Matchmaking via the Rare Diseases Models & Mechanisms Network (RDMM-Europe)".

In medical genetics, there is a critical need for model organism research, to assess new disease-gene associations, to understand pathophysiology and to test potential therapies. Within the Solve-RD project we established the European Rare Disease Models & Mechanisms Network (RDMM-Europe) to facilitate fruitful collaborations of model organism researchers and clinicians following patients with rare diseases (RD). The principle of this brokerage service is to fill the gap between RD gene discovery and functional validation. For that purpose, we connect Solve-RD clinicians that have discovered new disease-causing genes with model organism investigators (MOIs) that can study the mechanistic role of the given genes in health and disease by using an appropriate model organism or cell culture system. Solve-RD supports these validation projects with 50 Seeding Grants of 20,000 EUR each.

For the selection of candidate genes and model matchmaking, a two-committee process and a registry were set up using the structures of the successful Canadian RDMM Network as role model. The RDMM-Europe registry is a database that allows all interested MOIs to register the genes and model organisms they work with. Registrants express interest in getting linked to clinicians representing patients with RD and collaborating in projects funded by Solve-RD. The RDMM-Europe registry is also linked to international partner networks. Connection Applications on novel RD candidate genes are submitted by Solve-RD clinicians and are evaluated and approved by the Clinical Advisory Committee. Upon approval, the project management office opens a call for tender to identify best matching MOIs for the requested validation work and invites them to submit Seeding Grant Applications. They are evaluated by a Scientific Advisory Committee and approved for funding.

To date, we have awarded 23 Seeding Grants to MOIs and have linked Solve-RD scientists to model researchers in eight European countries, Canada, USA, Qatar and Australia. Linking scientists across borders via the RDMM network and supporting these joint projects will advance RD research and will benefit patients and families living with RD.

View the poster here.