Our research group is investigating individual disease susceptibility, focusing specifically on genetic polymorphisms and lifestyle habits that affect DNA damage and DNA repair. Studies have shown that common polymorphisms in metabolic genes and DNA repair genes interact with our lifestyle, which can alter an individual's capacity to subsequently react to toxic exposures. Additionally, there is increasing evidence that early life events play a role in interindividual variation in offsprings phenotype. Therefore, we explore transgenerational effects of parental exposure to lifestyle or environmental factors on offspring's susceptibility to DNA damage. These factors may explain long-term consequences and potential transgenerational effects. 

Current Research Projects

1. 1. Effect of fecal metabolites on gut microbiome in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
2. 2. Modulation of the risk for developing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) by intracellular and extracellular cathepsins
3. 3. Parental lifestyle alters genetic DNA damage in offspring

Lead scientist

Roger Godschalk