UNIVERSITY OF TURKU
Turku, Finland
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COMPUTATIONAL BIOMEDICINE GROUP
About
Laura Elo´s research group at Medical Bioinformatics Centre (MBC) of University of Turku develops computational methods and models for transforming large-scale molecular and clinical datasets to biomedical knowledge. A specific focus is on analyzing and interpreting data generated by modern high-throughput biotechnologies and other digital health data in a robust and reproducible manner. Using statistical modelling and advanced machine learning techniques, the group has, for instance, identified early markers for type 1 diabetes and developed several powerful computational models for predicting disease and treatment risks. The ultimate goal is to improve the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of complex diseases in close collaboration with experimental and clinical research groups.
Expertise
Medical bioinformatics, computational biomedicine, data mining, statistical modelling, machine learning
Contact
Laura Elo
Professor of Computational Medicine, Research Director in Bioinformatics, Turku Bioscience and Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku
Molecular systems immunology group
About
Academy professor Riitta Lahesmaa’s molecular systems immunology research group aims at understanding molecular mechanisms of Type 1 Diabetes and other human immune mediated diseases. They have identified novel molecular mechanisms and new regulators of T cell functions and their projects in progress aim at understanding the molecular basis of immune regulation to enable its modulation. They aim at understanding the early immune response in children who develop Type 1 Diabetes to identify new biomarkers to improve predicting, monitoring, and early diagnosis of beginning of the disease process. This is of fundamental importance to be able to select the right patients for potential interventions as soon as the disease process kicks in.
In Hedimed project Professor Lahesmaa is the work package leader in WP6 titled “Characterization of internal environment”. The group will characterize immune response to environmental factors using a range of omics technologies.
Expertise
Molecular systems immunology, T cells, transcriptional and epigenetic regulation, proteomics, biomarker discovery, type 1 diabetes, immune mediated diseases
Contact
rilahes(at)utu.fi
https://bioscience.fi/research/molecular-systems-immunology/profile/
RIITTA LAHESMAA
M.D., Ph.D., Academy professor, Director, Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku
IMMUNOGENETICS LABORATORY
About
Our research focuses on the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes. In particular, we investigate the genetic background of type 1 diabetes, risk gene effects on various disease phases, and heterogeneity of the disease pathogenesis. In addition, we also search for environmental factors affecting immune maturation and alterations in gene regulation and immune activation leading to autoimmunity.
In HEDIMED project the immunogenetics laboratory aims to characterize effects of antibiotic exposure on the maturation of immune system during childhood. Johanna Lempainen is a steering committee member of the DIPP study.
Expertise
Type 1 diabetes, genetics, autoimmunity
Contact
Johanna.lempainen@utu.fi
Johanna Lempainen
MD, Adjunct Professor, Pediatrician, Institute of Biomedicine, Immunogenetics laboratory, Department of Clinical Medicine, Pediatrics, University of Turku
DIPP Clinical Research Centre
About
Jorma Toppari is one of the principal investigators of the DIPP Study. He is leading the DIPP Clinical Research Centre in University of Turku. He is also the PI of the TEDDY (The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young) Study in Finland. He is a pediatric endocrinologist whose research is focused on developmental aspects of endocrine organs and their function.
Expertise
Type 1 diabetes, pediatric endocrinology
Contact
jortop(at)utu.fi
