My research is focused on the discovery and application of novel biomarker signatures in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), while also assessing their potential for therapeutic modulation (e.g., through dietary interventions) and their utility to predict clinical outcomes (e.g., response to established medical treatment). My strategy is to identify functionally relevant disease markers derived from different biological systems (e.g., the immune system, host genetics, the gut microbiome) and -mechanisms (e.g., inflammatory pathways, oxidative stress and redox signaling, iron metabolism and hypoxia) and carefully examine these signatures through detailed phenotypic patient stratification. By adopting this multi-faceted approach and studying the interplay between different pathophysiological entities, my ultimate aim is to develop and validate clinically applicable prediction models using evidence-based translational biomarkers.

"Adding patient value by data-driven personalized healthcare."

The intestinal mucosa is exposed to fluctuations in oxygen levels due to constantly changing rates of oxygen demand and supply and its juxtaposition with the anoxic environment of the intestinal lumen. This frequently results in a state of hypoxia in the healthy mucosa even in the physiologic state. Furthermore, pathophysiologic hypoxia (which is more severe and extensive) is associated with chronic inflammatory diseases including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), a ubiquitously expressed regulator of cellular adaptation to hypoxia, is central to both the adaptive and the inflammatory responses of cells of the intestinal mucosa in IBD patients. In my PhD, I was interested in studying how microenvironmental factors in the intestine modulate intestinal epithelial HIF-1α activation and influence epithelial homeostasis. Currently, as a PostDoc, I study the KEAP1:NFR2 pathway in the context of mucosal inflammation, in which we apply scRNAseq to intestinal biopsies and patient-derived intestinal organoids to better understand cell-type specific responses to oxidative stress and antioxidant therapy.

Inflammation, lipid metabolism, cholesterol transport, liver disease

Microsurgery, Hepatocyte isolation, Microinjection, Histology

As a board-certified epidemiologist and surgeon, I am fascinated by liver metabolism and (pediatric) hepatopancreatobiliary and transplantation surgery. I am dedicated, enthusiastic and persevering, have strong interpersonal skills and a passion for science.

Super Specialization GE oncology especially esophagus / stomach cancer and endocrine head neck surgery (thyroid and parathyroid tumors)

Drug targeting, liver diseases, therapeutic proteins

Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Liver Transplantation

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases | Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis | Biliary atresia | Short Bowel Syndrome and Intestinal Failure | Diagnostic research (including disease monitoring)

PostDoctoral Researcher at Center for Liver, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases. PhD/University of Groningen, the Netherlands. PhD/University of Antioquia, Colombia. Extensive experience and knowledge in Biomedical Sciences: Cellular and Molecular Biology, Oncology, Immunology and Virology. My research is focused in Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and UPR activation in the context of fatty liver disease or/and liver inflammation. I have a scientific-oriented profile with competencies in science construction and divulgation, analysis and interpretation of scientific literature, situational leadership, multidisciplinary team work, assertive communication and results-orientated.

Inflammation, vesicular transport, lipid metabolism, cholesterol transport, mouse transgenesis, liver disease

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Stralingsbescherming 5B

Genetics of auto-immune diseasesSee  http://www.rug.nl/research/genetics/staff/cisca-wijmenga and www.systemsgenetics.nl

Biochemistry; Human Genetics; Non-coding RNAs; miRNAs; lncRNAs; Molecular Immunology; Disease Models for Complex Genetic Immunediseases; Celiac disease; iPS Technology; Organoids; Organ-on-chip Technology.