Knowledge on the fact that regulatory genes and mechanisms for their expression change along time scales is rapidly expanding. The “time” dimension turns out, therefore, to represent a common denominator in various systems studied in different disciplines. It is now of primary importance to bring together the array of expertise available on time scales in different biological systems to develop novel concepts, approaches and frameworks, and coordinate endeavors in functional genomics. Mechanisms of the dynamic association of networks of genes and of genes and proteins need to be unravelled, encouraging the development of tools for the investigation of time series in these networks. On this basis, the PROUST action focuses on the functional genomics of “timing” as a key issue to be taken into account for the understanding and monitoring of functions of genes and gene products at the molecular, cellular and system levels, in health and disease. PROUST emphasizes that the temporal dimension is also crucial for drug development and discovery, as well as personalized medicine. Therapeutic approaches to different diseases will increasingly rely on novel approaches by which the potential of the genome will move beyond individual genes and proteins to identify candidate drugs acting on common intracellular signalling pathways.

The PROUST action puts emphasis on the need to introduce the element of time - across lifetime, gender and diseases – in such novel approaches. To obtain its goals, PROUST will structure activities by arranging two meetings, one conference, two training courses and a position paper with the objectives to: bring together scientists from different fields of research, in order to establish leading-edge projects with dimension of time in the focus; coordinate knowledge and data base on the temporal dimension of functional genomics, with the ultimate goal to identify therapeutic targets with time-dependent optimal susceptibilities; foster and spread knowledge on the temporal dimension of biological processes among students and scientists of different disciplines and stakeholders in the society.

Conference: “GENES AT WORK ON TIME” : Turin, October 15-18, 2008 The Conference has no registration fees, but registration being compulsory, and given the limitations in the participant number, registrations was reviewed by the PROUST partners, and applicants were asked to confirm their committment to attend. Posters have been submitted. Poster prizes will be available at the Conference to contribute some financial help and give awards to the best posters. Abstract submission and registration are now closed

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