The methodologies we apply have expanded from basic genetic case-control association studies into advanced analyses of large-scale genomics, epigenetics and transcriptomics, combined with richer and more complex clinical and paraclinical datasets. 

In line with the principles of precision medicine we aim to discover novel links between clinical presentation, genetic risk profiles, biomarker readouts and molecular therapeutic targets. 

Our work spans across the spectrum of translational research from studies of molecular and cellular disease mechanisms and clinical observational studies to randomized clinical trials.

Longterm goals

The ultimate aim of our research is to improve patient care in Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Observational studies, such as PROSPOS and Enroll-HD, are designed to facilitate clinical trials through their scientific output, but also by generating databases of well-characterized potential trial participants.

Through clinical and genomic studies, we aim to contribute to an improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving neurodegeneration, identifying novel therapeutic targets and tools for early diagnosis, prognosis and patient stratification. 

We also aim to offer participation in clincial intervention trials exploring novel treatments for patients with Parkinson’s disease, Huntignton’s disease and atypical parkinsonism.

Finally, it is a dedicated goal to provide a stimulating, educational and positive work environment for all members of our multidiciplinary research team, contribute to national and international scientific networks and collaborate closely with users and patient organizations.

Ongoing projects

The group has several ongoing projects.

NAD-HD

A double-blind randomized controlled multicenter trial investigating the effect of nicotinamide riboside - vitamin B3 - supplement as a potential disease-modifying treatment in Huntington’s disease.
 
The study has received funding from the KLINBEFORSK program, South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority and the Dam Foundation, and will recruit participants at sites in Oslo and Bergen. Collaboration with patient organizations is central to the project.

Prospective study of parkinsonism in Oslo; PROSPOS

A longitudinal observational study tracking natural history, genetics, and biomarkers to understand disease mechanisms and facilitate personalized medicine in Parkinson’s disease and atypical parkinsonism, including multiple system atrophy; MSA. 

This study forms the basis of a number of ongoing PhD projects involving methods such as brain imaging using PET and MRI, studies of cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, single-cell sequencing analyses and eye-tracking technology.

Enroll-HD

A global registry for Huntington’s disease including both symptomatic and presymptomatic gene carriers as well as family and community controls. Data is collected at annual visits. 

The study has included more than 30,000 participants worldwide aiming to increase our understanding of Huntington’s disease and facilitate development and testing of new treatments in clinical trials.

Other prosjects

The research group has a long-standing partnership with colleagues at the University of Bergen, conducting a number of collaborative projects on Parkinson’s disease and related disorders. 

Studies led from Bergen include NOPARK and D-SPARK; intervention trials in Parkinson’s disease, NADAPT; intervention trial in atypical parkinsonism and NOR-RBD; observational study of REM-sleep behavior disorder.

Cooperation

This group has close collaboration with research groups in Norway and abroad.

National

  • Haukeland University Hospital with NeuroSysMed and Prof. Charalampos Tzoulis
  • Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, UiO; Marianne Fyhn, Torkel Hafting and Andreas Lossius
  • Prof. Ole Andreassen, UiO, and the DemGene Consortium
  • Close day-to-day collaboration with the group Movement disorders

International

  • International Parkinson Disease Genetics Consortium; IPDGC
  • Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program; GP2
  • COURAGE-PD Consortium
  • Genetic Modifiers of Huntington’s Disease Consortium; GeM-HD
  • Prof. Wilma van der Berg, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Netherlands
  • Prof. Jon Mill, University of Exeter, UK
  • Prof. Owen Ross, Mayo Clinic, USA
  • Prof. Henry Houlden, University College London, UK