Gene sequencing in the North: exciting findings for everybody?

High-throughput sequencing, i.e. the high-resolution deciphering of genomes, is now a standard tool in science. Germany's largest academic sequencing platform is located in Kiel. Through this platform, genes are analysed in detail using state-of-the-art sequencing technologies. The organisms investigated range from bacteria to sponges, flies, birds, farm animals and human beings. Key focus areas of the research in Kiel are the analysis of intestinal bacteria, as well as the investigation of inflammatory bowel diseases. But not only scientific cooperation partners make use of the technical possibilities - the sequencing diagnostics of the University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) also take place here. Tumour samples from patients are analysed to identify the DNA changes causing disease (keyword: personalised medicine).