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Our Research Focus

Our research focus comprises the complex genetics of chronic intestinal diseases including neurogastroenterologic disorders as well as (comorbid) neuropsychiatric conditions and their underlying pathomechanisms. In particular, we have a longstanding interest in the Serotonin System as well as in Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Most recently, we also started working on Hirschsprung disease, a neurodevelopmental disorder of the enteric nervous system. By the generation of appropriate patient-derived Intestinal Cell Models, we aim to model and to understand underlying disturbed intestinal functions, with the overall goal to improve diagnostics and therapy options for individuals suffering from gastrointestinal conditions.

Currently we are focusing on the following projects:

• THE SEROTONIN SYSTEM
• GENETICS OF IRRITABEL BOWEL SYDROME
• GENETICS OF HIRSCHSPRUNG DISEASE
• INTESTINAL CELL MODELS