Erasmus MC
The research section at the Clinical Genetics department conducts basic research to understand the molecular mechanisms of hereditary diseases. The results are converted into practical applications for patient care. The section's mission is to improve the identification, treatment and prevention of hereditary diseases. They do this by the use of multiple state-of-the-art omics technologies.
In the research group of
Molecular mechanisms of movement disorders, we are searching for genes involved in Parkinson's disease (PD) and other movement disorders. The search may provide clues for understanding of disease mechanisms and identifying novel targets for therapies to stop and prevent these diseases. PD is a common degenerative disease of the brain with progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons and the formation of neuronal inclusions (Lewy bodies) in the surviving neurons. Much of the pathogenesis of PD is unknown. Yet, a growing list of gene defects identified in some inherited forms offers unprecedented, exciting opportunities to disentangle the complex molecular pathways leading to PD. The lab uses a number of unbiased strategies to identify novel genes causing or predisposing to PD and other movement disorders, such as dystonias, paroxysmal dyskinesias, and restless legs syndrome. Our experimental approaches include family-based linkage mapping, homozygosity mapping, positional cloning, next-generation sequencing technologies (exome sequencing and whole genome sequencing), and tools for in-silico analysis of DNA and protein sequence data. Each of the Mendelian forms of disease might provide important clues for understanding of the pathogenesis; also in the more common, complex forms of the disease.
To investigate the function of genetic variants that cause movement disorders, we use
iPS-derived neuronal and glial cell cultures and
brain organoids, unbiased brain and single-cell
transcriptomic and
proteomic strategies. Core facilities like the iPS Core Facility and the Optical Imaging Center will be important collaborators for the project.
The candidate will be offered excellent training and supervision platform through a dedicated teaching program of our
Graduate school.