Publications
Conservation genetics of an endemic from the Mediterranean Basin: high genetic differentiation but no genetic diversity loss from the last populations of the Sicilian Grape Hyacinth Leopoldia gussonei Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Ghent University KU Leuven
The Mediterranean Basin is a biodiversity hotspot, housing[11.000 narrowly endemic plant species, many of which are declining due to mass tourism and
agricultural intensification. To investigate the genetic resource impacts of ongoing habitat loss and degradation, we characterized the genetic variation in the last known populations of Leopoldia gussonei, a self-compatible endangered Sicilian Grape Hyacinth numbering less than ...
Consensus paper of the WFSBP Task Force on Genetics: Genetics, epigenetics and gene expression markers of major depressive disorder and antidepressant response KU Leuven
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a heritable disease with a heavy personal and socio-economic burden. Antidepressants of different classes are prescribed to treat MDD, but reliable and reproducible markers of efficacy are not available for clinical use. Further complicating treatment, the diagnosis of MDD is not guided by objective criteria, resulting in the risk of under- or overtreatment. A number of markers of MDD and antidepressant ...
Genetic Counselling in Belgium: the Centre for Human Genetics at the University of Leuven, 1960-1990 KU Leuven
© Springer International Publishing AG 2017. All rights reserved. This chapter traces the history of the Center for Human Genetics (CHG)- the first centre of this kind in Belgium-at the University of Leuven from the 1960s to the 1990s. In 1960, a laboratory for diagnostic chromosomal research was set up by the physician and geneticist Herman Van den Berghe. In 1966, this laboratory was turned into the Center for Human Genetics (CHG), which ...
Patenting and licensing in genetic testing: recommendations of the European Society of Human Genetics KU Leuven
Patents for inventions can be beneficial for society, if they drive innovation and promote progress. In most areas, the patenting system works satisfactorily. However, it must be recognized that in some instances it can also be problematic; this is the case in the field of genetics, and particularly in the area of genetic testing. As patents should serve their original purpose (promoting innovation through a fair reward system for the ...
Genetics in everyday life. A qualitative study of individuals at risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (BRCA) and Huntington’s disease (HD) about fears of genetic discrimination KU Leuven
For decades, as our understanding of human genetics has continued to advance, socio-ethical and legal scholars have raised questions and concerns about the ethical and social implications (ELSI issues) of genetics. One specific ELSI concern is that increased knowledge and applications of human genetics might lead to new forms of negative treatment, discrimination, and stigmatisation. In the nineties, several Western countries responded to this ...
Population genetics of the brooding coral Seriatopora hystrix reveals patterns of strong genetic differentiation in the Western Indian Ocean Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Coral reefs provide essential goods and services but are degrading at an alarming rate due to local and global anthropogenic stressors. The main limitation that prevents the implementation of adequate conservation measures is that connectivity and genetic structure of populations are poorly known. Here, the genetic diversity and connectivity of the brooding scleractinian coral Seriatopora hystrix were assessed at two scales by genotyping ten ...
Human Genetics Society of Australasia Position Statement: Predictive and Presymptomatic Genetic Testing in Adults and Children KU Leuven
In 2020, the Human Genetics Society of Australasia released its Position Statement on Predictive and Presymptomatic Genetic Testing in Adults and Children. This Position Statement synthesizes the major practical, psychosocial and ethical considerations associated with presymptomatic and predictive genetic testing in adults who have the capacity to make a decision, children and young people who lack capacity and adults living with reduced or ...
Bacterial genetic engineering by means of recombineering for reverse genetics Ghent University
Serving a robust platform for reverse genetics enabling the in vivo study of gene functions primarily in enterobacteriaceae, recombineering -or recombination-mediated genetic engineering- represents a powerful and relative straightforward genetic engineering tool. Catalyzed by components of bacteriophage-encoded homologous recombination systems and only requiring short ~40 to 50 base homologies, the targeted and precise introduction of ...
Population Genetic Analysis of the Estonian Native Horse Suggests Diverse and Distinct Genetics, Ancient Origin and Contribution from Unique Patrilines KU Leuven
The Estonian Native Horse (ENH) is a medium-size pony found mainly in the western islands of Estonia and is well-adapted to the harsh northern climate and poor pastures. The ancestry of the ENH is debated, including alleged claims about direct descendance from the extinct Tarpan. Here we conducted a detailed analysis of the genetic makeup and relationships of the ENH based on the genotypes of 15 autosomal short tandem repeats (STRs), 18 Y ...