General research focus: This research group uses genetic, genomic and bioinformatic tools to study the genetic factors involved in complex genetic diseases and we work closely with clinical departments. One focus is on autoimmune diseases, for which we try to identify pathways common to multiple autoimmune diseases, as well as factors specific for one disease. A second focus is on epilepsy. In addition, genetic studies from all parts of the UMC Utrecht can find help and support in our group. Studies focused on genetic variants in coding regions are augmented with work on methylation and microRNAs, as well as with functional studies on the consequences of mutations in ion channels.
Research lines:
1. Identification of pathways involved in heritable complex diseases, in particular in autoimmune diseases and neurological disorders.
2. Development of models to understand the population genetics and evolution of complex diseases.
3. Exploration of the use of new technologies to improve our understanding of the genetic architecture of complex disorders.
Contact
Tel. 088 756 8116 / 8312
email