Genetics of gene regulation in disease - Heikkinen lab
Leaders
We focus on the identification and molecular characterization of human genetic variation that alters the gene regulatory capacity of transcription factors and contributes to diseases with identified genetic component like type 2 diabetes or Alzheimer’s disease.
Our research on the metabolic front utilizes a combination of mouse genetics and detailed genome-wide mapping of e.g. gene expression and chromatin activities at tissue and single-cell levels, with an aim to extrapolate the main findings to human metabolic genetics through conserved metabolic regulatory cascades.
For neurodegenerative diseases we collaborate widely with the research teams of the UEF Neuro RC.
The identification and mechanistic characterization of new, truly causal human genetic variants in complex diseases offer tools for improved disease prediction, subtyping and personalized medicine solutions.
Funding
Academy of Finland, Finnish Diabetes Research Foundation, University of Eastern Finland
Cooperation
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University of Texas Health San Antonio
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University of Eastern Finland, Institute of Biomedicine
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University of Eastern Finland, Clinical Pathology and Forensic Medicine
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Molecular Genetics of Alzheimer's Disease - Hiltunen Lab 01.01.2022 -
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NPH and Early AD 01.01.2010 -
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Annakaisa Haapasalo Group (Molecular Neurodegeneration) 01.06.2015 -
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Cardiovascular Genomics (Kaikkonen lab) 01.09.2015 -
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Non-coding RNAs in Breast Cancer
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Mechanisms of cancer and metabolic disease (Levonen Lab) 01.01.2010 -