"The aim of the proposal is to fortify and intensify the scientific exchange and connectivity between four groups - two in Europe (European consortium) and two in the USA - that have a proven record in collaboration over the past years. The common theme, on which the scientific collaborations are based, is “Proteomics & Epi-Genetics of Anion transport” (PEG-Anion). Epi-Genetics refers to how inherited genetic information, and genetic information not encoded in the DNA sequence translates into variations in overall function of the gene products. Extending the existing collaboration between the PEG-Anion partner-laboratories into a PEG-ANION-NETWORK (PEG-ANION-NET) would add significant momentum to the knowledge-transfer between the four groups. The groups have individual funding for the respective PEG-Anion projects, and the exchange scheme (IRSES) will help to sustain the research activity between the four groups by covering the mobility expenses induced by the planned PEG-ANION-NET activity. The project: The sequencing of the human genome was a milestone in science and marked the beginning of the post-genomic era. The knowledge of the genomic make up, however, does not by itself give much insight into the function of single genes, nor does it give conclusive answers on the effect of single genes or gene products in regulatory circuits established in living cells. The challenge now and in the immediate future is to combine the genomic- and epigenetic-information with functional-information of the gene products in their native environment. The research in the PEG-Anion partner-laboratories is focused on the proteomics, genomics and epigenetics of two anion ‘transporters’ and how these factors translates into the respective gene product function. Genetic make-up, proteomic interaction and epigenetic regulation of gene expression are important for normal cellular physiology and play key roles in both disease progression and responses to therapeutic intervention."