Figure 4

The workflow of the Canadian RDMM Network. RDMM connects Canada’s disease gene discovery projects with the Canadian model organism researchers. Investigators that work with yeast, C. elegans, Drosophila, zebrafish, or mouse are encouraged to join the network. Upon registration, the investigator provides a list of genes or genetic pathways in which they are experts. In parallel, a physician or a human geneticist submits a “connect application” for cases that they wish to find a model organism collaborator for. If the case is approved by the Clinical Advisory Committee, the Scientific Advisory Committee performs a search of the model organism registry and identifies an investigator that specializes in the orthologous gene. Upon matchmaking, the model organism investigator and the physician/human geneticist discuss a working plan and submit a proposal to the Scientific Advisory Committee. If the case is approved, funding is provided (1 year, Can$25,000) to generate a disease model and study the candidate gene/variant. The long-term goal of this process is to connect clinicians and basic researchers to establish a collaborative network across the country to facilitate rare disease research.