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Biosketch:
Structural variants of the human genome contribute to inter-individual differences and certain structural rearrangements can result in severe cell biological malfunction. My first interest is to analyze genome structure alterations which contribute to the development of cancer. To investigate the characteristics of the cancer genome, we use paired-end-ditag (PET) based high throughput DNA sequencing methodologies. The identification of cancer-specific rearrangements will help us to understand the processes involved in tumorigenesis. Another focus of mine is the detailed analysis of structural variants within and across populations. In addition to improving the understanding of the human genome, the structural variants are potential modulators of phenotypic variability and evolutionary advantage. Further, I am interested in genetic variability which contributes to hair loss. In collaboration with the University of Bonn, I work on the genetic basis of male pattern baldness. |
