The Chinese company BGI and Saarland University announced a strategic partnership. “The goal is not only to explore the role of non-coding RNAs in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. We also aim for a more general understanding: What is the impact of small RNAs in aging? And how can we apply our knowledge on the non-coding RNAs to facilitate aging in a healthier manner?” explains Professor Andreas Keller, spokesman of Saarland University’s Center for Bioinformatics who also holds the Chair for Clinical Bioinformatics.
In the cooperation, BGI will provide the in-depth knowledge on high-throughput sequencing. While the sequencing is currently performed at BGI facilities, the partners are setting up a sequencing lab at Saarland University. Together, BGI and Saarland University will sequence the repertoire of non-coding RNAs in blood cells, serum, plasma and partially also in tissue samples of hundreds of patients and controls in Europe and China.
The computational analyses of the hundreds of terabytes of data will be done using cutting-edge software and databases developed by Keller’s group, tailored for the research on non-coding RNA fragments. As a first instance, the researchers hope to provide new diagnostic tools for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease. Further, BGI and Saarland University will jointly explore the potential of deep learning approaches to interpret the complex molecular profiles and to combine them with other data, e.g. from imaging devices.
BGI will work closely with Saarland scientists based on the BGISEQ platform and Big Data analysis for a better understanding of aging, and hopes to generate improved prognoses for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, the collaboration will go broader and deeper on microRNA-associated fitness, precision drug development and patient care.
“Within this era of China and Germany shaping innovation together, BGI is happy to strengthen the innovative partnership with German universities, institutes, and companies, in order to build knowledge and value, and to promote scientific innovation and industry efficiency!” says BGI’s Chief Development Officer Ning Li.
