Genomics and algorithmic

The 101 Genomes Foundation (F101G) aims to advance research by 10 years by creating an unprecedented database that will allow researchers to tame the genome to better understand rare diseases and to better treat them. The creative innovation represented by the genomic and bioinformatics revolution makes this goal possible today. According to Professor Anne De Paepe, Prorector of the University of Ghent, it is " a unique and unprecedented example of patient participation in scientific research ".

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Quest for protective genes

In practice, F101G will create a bioinformatics tool containing complete genomic (Whole Genome Sequencing) and cross-phenotypic data from patients with rare diseases.

• This tool will be freely accessible to the scientific community through a secure interface to help them better understand the causes of rare diseases and the variability of the disorders they cause.
• The tool aims to identify possible modifier genes that protect against major damages caused by rare diseases.
• Such a discovery could lead to the development of new treatments that replicate these protective effects.

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Marfan syndrome

The 101 Marfan Genomes Project (P101GM) is the pilot project of the F101G. This Project is dedicated to Marfan syndrome. It is based on an expandable starting cohort of 101 patients. The P101GM Scientific Committee is composed of leading scientists who are world authorities in the fields of Marfan syndrome, genomics and algorithmics. The committee includes Professors Julie De Backer, Bart Loeys, Guillaume Smits, Guillaume Jondeau, Catherine Boileau and Anne De Paepe. P101GM is supported by the European network VASCERN and by several European Marfan patient associations. It received the 2018 Edelweiss Prize awarded by the Belgian alliance for rare diseases: RaDiOrg.

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The Fund that finances F101G's activities is hosted by the King Baudouin Foundation. Training jurists, Ludivine and Romain Alderweireldt-Verboogen created the Fondation 101 Génomes to help children who, like their little boy, are suffering from a rare disease.