Genetic Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Diseases |
The group has established one of the largest chronic disease-related biobanks in Switzerland (The SAPALDIA Biobank). The biobank allows for studies on the genetic background of complex chronic diseases and related subclincial phenotypes, with a special focus on phenotypes related to respiratory and cardiovascular health (i.e. lung function, asthma, COPD, heart rate variability, intima-media thickness and renal function). In the context of international collaborations and genetics consortia, staff members contribute to and lead large meta-analyses to identify novel disease genes and to understand how they modify susceptibility to lifestyle and environmental factors. Studies on the interaction of inherited genetic and epigenetic susceptibility factors with environmental factors, such as air pollution and noise, are a major focus of the group.