Genetic Epidemiology

Research Focus

Professor Kõks and the Genetic Epidemiology team have a research goal to use genomic technologies in longitudinal studies as predictors for neurodegenerative outcomes in diseases such as Parkinson’s and motor neurone diseases. In addition, the research aims to find shared genetic markers between neurodegenerative diseases to reveal the common pathogenetic mechanisms: the group is also involved in osteosarcoma and osteoarthritis research using genomic tools to help classify malignancies or to predict late complications after total arthroplasty.

Having a solid background in the genetics of mood disorders, rare diseases, translational research and genetic mechanisms of common diseases, Professor Kõks’ previous work included the development of a model for the rare, inherited disease, Wolfram syndrome, demonstrating the mechanisms involved in cellular degeneration.

The Genetic Epidemiology Research Group is focusing on a number of new developments including the initiation of clinical trials utilising drug repurposing. This will be done for Parkinson’s Disease patients who are genetically profiled to analyse their drug responsiveness.