Research Assistant: Genomics of MigraineSemester Course

Two students and an instructor looking over a scan of the cat scan of the brain.
Major Discipline(s)
Biology, Chemistry / Biochemistry, Neuroscience
Type
Elective Course
Available
Fall/Spring semester
Credit(s)
6

The Neurogenomics Group at Copenhagen University Hospital, a multidisciplinary team consisting of expert geneticists, bioinformaticians, and medical doctors, is dedicated to advancing our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of neurological disorders such as migraine and multiple sclerosis. Our group’s primary objective is to bridge the gap between fundamental genetics research and clinical practice, focusing on translating scientific discoveries into tangible benefits for patients suffering from these debilitating conditions.

The cornerstone of our group’s research efforts is the utilization of cutting-edge genomic and bioinformatic techniques. By employing high-throughput sequencing technologies, including whole-genome sequencing (WGS), we are able to identify novel genetic variants and molecular pathways implicated in the development and progression of neurological disorders. Our bioinformaticians play a crucial role in analyzing and interpreting the vast amounts of data generated by these sequencing technologies, leading to the identification of disease-causing mutations and potential therapeutic targets.

Our team of medical doctors, with their extensive clinical experience in treating patients with neurological disorders, provides invaluable insights into the practical aspects of our research. Their expertise ensures that our investigations are grounded in clinical relevance and have the potential to impact patient care in a meaningful way. Through close collaboration between our geneticists, bioinformaticians, and clinicians, we strive to develop novel diagnostic tools, risk prediction models, and targeted therapies for these complex neurological conditions.

 

Select Research Mentor bibliography:

  • Chalmer M, Kogelman LJA, Hansen TF, et al. Sex differences in clinical characteristics of migraine and its burden: a population-based study. European Journal of Neurology, 26 Mar 2023, 30(6):1774-1784 https://doi.org/10.1111/ene.15778
  • Hautakangas H, Winsvold B, Hansen TF, et al. Genome-wide analysis of 102,084 migraine cases identifies 123 risk loci and subtype-specific risk alleles. Nat Genet. 2022; 54(2): 152–160. https://doi.org/10.1038%2Fs41588-021-00990-0

 

Related Discipline(s)

This course would also be of interest to the following discipline(s):
Biomedicine / Biotechnology, Pre-Medicine / Health Science

Faculty

Thomas Folkman Hansen

DIS Copenhagen Semester Faculty

Received a PhD from Copenhagen University in 2009. Research Leader Copenhagen University Hospital and University from 2015 to the present. With DIS since 2023.