Modern science needs sophisticated in vitro and in vivo models for the characterization of complex phenomena taking place in multicellular orgamisms. The CoE in Cell-ECM Research has unique competencies and models, such as cell cultivation and experimental animal models for kidneys, hair follicles, mammary glands, bones and blood vessels, that can help to model aberrant gene function in laboratory conditions. Experimental animal models will be used to analyse what really happens in the organism.