Prof. Olivier Vanakker

Clinical Geneticist
Associate Professor
Head of the Ectopic Mineralization lab

Contact

Campus UZ, C. Heymanslaan 10, K5 (entrance 81), 9000 Ghent

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Personalia

Biography

2015 - present: Head of Clinic - Center for Medical Genetics Ghent
2015 - present: Clinical Geneticist - AZ Alma
2013 - present: Professor - Ghent University
2012 - present: Clinical Geneticist - Heilig Hart Hospital
2011 - present: Clinical Geneticist - AZ Zorgsaam (Netherlands)
2009: PhD - Ghent University
2003: Master Medicine - Ghent University

Member of

Center of Medical Genetics Ghent
INTEC (International Network On Ectopic Calcification)
ISSEC (International Scientific Society Of Ectopic Calcification)
ERN Skin
ERN Ithaca
ERN Re-Connet

Research tracks

Expertise

Prof. Vanakker is the PI of the Ghent Ectopic Mineralization Research Group (EMRg), with a main interest in the clinical, molecular and pathophysiological characteristics of ectopic mineralization disorders. The focus lies in the translation of basic and molecular science to the clinic, in order to improve management of patients and their families with both rare and common diseases that feature ectopic calcification. Among mineralization disorders, we have a longstanding research interest in PXE, with several important contributions to this field including among others the characterization of novel PXE-related phenotypes, identification of genes which modify the phenotype of PXE, delineation of potential therapeutic targets in the cellular signaling pathways of PXE, creation of a PXE zebrafish model and the search for practical biomarkers for this disease. Since 2022, he is the coordinator of the International Network on Ectopic Calcification (INTEC), a robust network to contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge and unite international institutions’ expertise around ectopic calcification. He is also a founding member and member of the Executive Board of the International Scientific Society of Ectopic Calcification (ISSEC), where he holds the function of Dissemination Director.