Epitranscriptome

We focus our research on the role of microRNAs, but also on other types of noncoding RNAs, including long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) and tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs).

We are interested in how all these different RNAs influence the function of our blood vessels, during both health and disease and how they themselves can be impacted by physical activity and exercise.

RNA transcripts are not finished products. All RNAs undergo modifications, adding an important layer of regulation that can either (de-)stabilize an RNA, or even change its function.

Modifications of RNAs in our bodies are directly affected by negative stimuli, such as stress or disease, but also for example by positive stimuli such as exercise.

The groups current projects focus on how we can use exercise to optimize RNA modification profiles to lower the risk of cardiovascular events, such as acute stroke, specifically in women during and after menopause.