̽����ѡ

Our main aim is to develop molecular diagnostic and prognostic tools for
clinical use, that could discriminate between preschool wheezers that will
develop chronic asthma and those that will grow out
MSc molecular biology, Stockholm University 1996
PhD in ̽����ѡ genetics, ̽����ѡ 2001
Post doc at Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité Campus
Virchow Clinic, Berlin, Germany, 2002-2005
Associate professor of ̽����ѡ genetics, ̽����ѡ 2011

Senior lecturer 2023

Recurrent episodes of wheeze in infants are troublesome for those affected,
and a common cause of visits to the emergency room and hospitalization in
this age-group. Some of these children (about 30%) will develop asthma, while
many will be symptom-free before starting school. Wheeze in young children
can vary considerably in terms of severity, duration, risk of relapse,
contributing causes, treatability and risk for future chronic asthma.
Symptoms may be caused by viral infections, allergen exposure or airway
irritants. We aim to develop molecular tools that can be used for both
diagnosis and prognosis for this group of children. With specific biomarker
profiles, we hope to be able to predict which of these children that will
develop chronic asthma, and who will grow out of their symtoms. The analyzes
are performed on a global level, as well as through targeted analayses of
candidate genes and molecular networks. In addition, our research contributes
to increased understanding of the molecular contribution to asthma, and the
identification of various risk factors, eg genetic factors, infections and
allergy development.

The *GEWAC study* (Gene Expression in Wheezing and Asthmatic Children) is a 
prospective cohort study where 156 children (6 months – 3 y) with acute
wheeze were included during an emergency visit due to ongoing wheeze. The
children were recruited during 2008-2012, at Astrid Lindgren's children's
hospital in Stockholm, Sweden. The cohort was followed with annual visits
until the age of 7. A follow-up visit at the age of 10-13 years is now
ongoing. The children in the GEWAC study are well characterized by clinical
examination, questionnaires and biological sampling. In this longitudinal
cohort, we follow both the clinical course and the presence of viruses and
bacteria, allergy development, such as genetic (including gene expression)
and epigenetic components over time.

In addition, we try to understand what impact genetic factors have on the 
development of eczema and food allergy, in a large Nordic intervention study
called *PreventADALL* (Preventing Atopic Dermatitis and Allergy in Children).
We believe that different genetic conditions affect the function of the
barrier in the skin and airways. A more permeable barrier gives an increased
risk for both eczema and food allergy, and therefore, the presence of certain
genetic variants or mutations could indicate a group where prevention are of
extraordinary importance.

PhD students and post docs
* /Angela Hoyer, / MSc, reg 2020, main supervisor, /” Genetic and
epigenetic risk factors for preschool wheeze to develop to asthma,
/̽����ѡ, PhD 2024
* /Anastasia Filiou, /pediatrician, reg 2018, / /main supervisor, / “From
preschool wheeze to childhood asthma; the role of genetics and
environmental factors“, /̽����ѡ, PhD 2024

/Sandip Chakraborty/, PhD, post doc, 2021- /biomarkers and asthma prediction/

Previous PhD students and post docs
* /Katarina Stenberg Hammar/, pediatrician, PhD 2016, main supervisor,
/”Viral wheeze and risk factors for childhood asthma- an evaluation of
clinical, immunological and genetic factors”, / ̽����ѡ,
* /Christina Orsmark Pietras/, PhD 2011, co-supervisor, /”Interaction and
regulation of asthma susceptibility genes”, /̽����ѡ,
* /Nathalie Acevedo, / PhD 2015, co-supervisor, /”//Epigenetic Mechanisms
of Asthma and Allergy//”, /̽����ѡ,
* /Sandra Ganrud Tedner/, pediatrician, PhD 2022, co-supervisor, /
“Specific IgE-profiles and allergy prediction”, /̽����ѡ

/Caroline-Aleksi Olsson Mägi, /pediatric nurse, / /
co-supervisor, /”Maternal stress and allergic disease in her
offspring”, /̽����ѡ/ /PhD 2023
* /Idun Holmdahl/, MD, reg 2018, co-supervisor, “/Långtidsuppföljning av
småbarn som behövt akut sjukvård för luftvägsobstruktivitet: Vilka
kommer få astma i skolåldern?”, /̽����ѡ, PhD 2023
* /Martin Färdig/, pediatric nurse, reg 2018, co-supervisor, “The risk of
developing asthma in young children by factors related to pregnancy, birth
and early lung function”, ̽����ѡ, PhD 2023

/Lovisa E Reinius/, PhD, post doc, 2009-2013; co-supervisor, Karolinska
Institutet, /Genetics and epigenetics in asthma/