Description of the Research

The goal of our research is to increase common understanding how genetic factors in complex interaction with the environment influence human development and health. Our particular interest is to elucidate how epigenetic mechanisms influence regulation of gene activity in human cells and tissues and mediate effects of environment on long-term health in individuals with different genetic background. By exploiting state-of-the-art methods for genome research we also aim to identify new markers for harmful exposures and diseases, and targets for development of new therapeutic approaches.

Current Projects

• Molecular mechanisms of stress exposure and response
• Molecular mechanisms of early developmental stress exposure and long-term health outcomes
• Epigenetic mechanisms of childhood leukemia and glucocorticoid response at single cell level
• +several other collaborative projects

Current Key Collaborators

• Hasse Karlsson, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Finland; Department of Psychiatry, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Finland
• Linnea Karlsson, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Finland; Department of Child Psychiatry, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Finland
• Eeva Ekholm, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Finland; Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Department of Clinical Medicine)
• Minna Lukkarinen, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital.

Funding

• Finnish Cultural Foundation 2016, 2021 – 2022
• Signe and Ane Gyllenberg Foundation 2020 – 2021
• Academy of Finland 2019 – 2023
• TuDMM 
• Wihuri Foundation 2016
• Väreen Säätiö 2017
• Yrjö Jahnsson foundation 2014 – 2015
• State Research Funding, Hospital District of Southwest Finland 2013 – 2020
• Private donation
• University of Turku