Genome Research Lab
Head
Research
Mission
At the Genome Research Lab, we are dedicated to advancing genomic technologies to enhance diagnostic precision and improve patient outcomes. Our mission is to develop and implement cutting-edge genomic tools for the detection of genomic rearrangements in neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as for preimplantation genetic testing, non-invasive prenatal testing and cancer research. We take a holistic approach, examining not only structural rearrangements but also single nucleotide variants and epigenetic modifications. Through innovative research and collaboration, we aim to translate our findings into clinical applications, ultimately contributing to the betterment of human health.
Interests
- Development and optimization of novel, sophisticated genomic technologies for diagnostic purposes
- Implementation of these genomic technologies in a pre- and postnatal diagnostic setting and preimplantation genetic testing
- Detection of structural rearrangements in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders
- Investigation of the molecular basis of genomic disorders (e.g. intellectual disability and neurodevelopmental syndromes)
- Functional elucidation of genomic aberrations in close collaboration with the Functional Genomics Lab
Current projects
- Detecting structural rearrangements in neurodevelopmental disorders
- Examining single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and epigenetic modifications
- Implementing long-read sequencing technologies such as PromethION and Revio (PacBIO)
- Pioneering advancements in preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and liquid biopsy testing in cancer
- Conducting epigenetic research on preeclampsia and other pregnancy complications
Team
Griet De Clercq - PhD student
Lisa De Witte - PhD student
Laurenz De Cock - PhD student
Bram Van Gaever - PhD student
Winter Vandenberghe - PhD student
Thomas Michiels - PhD student
Hongbei Mu - PhD student
Simon Jooris - PhD student
Roxana Jalili - PhD student
Affiliated UZ (Research Associates):
Annelies Dheedene
Sarah Delbaere
Machteld Baetens
Erika D’haenens
Shana Verschuere