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Disorders of the red blood cell

Disorders of the red blood cell

Research topic

Red blood cells are optimally adapted to perform the binding and transport of oxygen, and its delivery to all tissues. Membrane, hemoglobin, and metabolic proteins interact to modulate oxygen transport, protect hemoglobin from oxidant-induced damage, and maintain the osmotic environment of the cell. The red cell’s function and/or survival may be perturbed by a number of rare hereditary disorders. We perform translational research on these disorders with the overall aim to better understand the complex pathophysiology of these rare diseases, and to improve diagnosis and therapy. Current research projects focus on

  1. the identification and characterization of novel genes and mutations.
  2. the role of disturbed intracellular ion homeostasis.
  3. the clinical consequences of rare types of hemolytic anemias, in particular organ failure.
  4. the interaction of red blood cells with other cells.

In collaboration with the RR Mechatronics a research project has been initiated to deliver novel personalized healthcare solutions based on changes in red blood cell deformability, as measured by LoRRca (Laser-assisted Optical Rotational Cell Analyzer) technology.

Research opportunities uitklapper, klik om te openen

We offer internships for motivated students (Biomedical and Life Sciences,  Medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences).
If you are interested please contact Dr. Richard van Wijk (Email adres?) +31 88 75 58483.

Research team uitklapper, klik om te openen

Principal investigator

Richard van Wijk, PhD

Associated investigators

Ward van Beers, MD, PhD;
Raymond Schiffelers, PhD;
Karen de Vooght, PhD

PhD students
Rick Huisjes;
Pavla Koralkova;
Virginia Pretini;
Minke Rab, MD;
Stephanie van Straaten, MD 

Research technicians
Jerney Gitz-Francois;
Tesy Merkx;
Brigitte van Oirschot;
Liesbeth Verhagen

Key publications uitklapper, klik om te openen

Key publications of ou group (full list here)

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