Within this research line we focus on the discovery of molecular markers for either diagnostic or prognostic purposes. We aim to identify patients with complications after kidney transplantion (e.g. graft rejection or development of malignancies) in a minimally invasive way via molecular markers in blood or urine. Cell damage due to allograft rejection is accompanied by the release of donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA), nucleosomes, extracellular vesicles, and endothelial cells in the patient’s blood. We are currently developing non-invasive assays to monitor these tissue injury signs to diagnose kidney transplant rejection.
For more information on molecular marker applications within the Rotterdam Transplantation Laboratory please contact:
Karin Boer, PhD