[Amyloid centers in Europe: the EURAMY project].

The systemic amyloidoses comprise a large group of serious protein deposition diseases. Although rather rare, the disorders are spread all over the world. Increasing understanding of pathogenic mechanisms and recent hope for treatment options demand further research and development of diagnostic procedures. The European Union Framework 6 program EURAMY (http://www.EURAMY.org) is devoted to all aspects of research on systemic amyloidoses, from molecular aspects to treatment of patients.