Using functional genomics to identify and validate drug targets

Introduction

Welcome to the Functional Genomics Group, where we are dedicated to advancing the field of statistical genetics and bioinformatics through innovative research and cutting-edge techniques.

Our group comprises a public-private collaboration between UMCG, Biogen, Roche and Takeda, aimed at drug-target identification and (in)validation.

Our group is focused on studying how genetics influences gene expression and its regulation by combining QTL analysis and gene regulatory network reconstruction while taking advantage of the power of large publicly available bulk datasets and the resolution of single-cell techniques. We combine these integrative studies with high-throughput experimental approaches (e.g. massively parallel reporter assays, CRISPR-coupled single-cell analyses) to ultimately pinpoint the functional roles of genes and genetic risk factors in biological systems and to identify potential therapeutic targets for various diseases.