• 3030
    Citations
1996 …2025

Research activity per year

Personal profile

Research interests

I am a molecular biologist with a strong focus on translational control in the brain. My research aims to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying leukodystrophies, with particular emphasis on vanishing white matter (VWM). Using disease models and patient-derived material, I have demonstrated that dysregulation of the integrated stress response (ISR) is a key driver of pathology. These insights underpin preclinical studies and a clinical trial, demonstrating my commitment to connecting fundamental mechanisms with diagnostics and therapeutic strategies. In the coming years, I will expand my research to dissect how altered translational control affects glial function and white matter integrity in other leukodystrophies. Working in close collaboration with clinicians, I ensure that these efforts remain aligned with patient needs and contribute to bridging discovery science with clinical care to improve patient care.

Specialisation

I am specialised in RNA biology, translational regulation, and cellular stress response pathways, with a focus on leukodystrophies such as VWM. My expertise lies in unraveling molecular pathomechanisms and linking these to diagnostic applications and translational pipelines. Together with my team, I have shown how mutations in eIF2B disrupt translational control and glial function. This dual focus on mechanistic discovery and clinical translation positions our research at the interface of fundamental discovery, diagnostics, and therapeutic innovation.

Education/Academic qualification

PhD, Molecular Analysis of N gene-mediated Resistance to Tobacco Mosaic Virus, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands

1 Sept 199631 Dec 2000

Award Date: 6 Jun 2001

Master, Medical Biology, specialization in molecular virology

1 Sept 199031 Aug 1996

Award Date: 27 Aug 1996

External positions

Committee Member, ZonMw Open Competition

1 May 2022 → …

Chair Examination Board Biomedical Sciences (BSc, MSc), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

1 Sept 2020 → …

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