Summary: A main figure in molecular psychiatry shares how curiosity about DNA has led to a career focused on dismantling the biological roots of neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD. By bridging genetics, neuroscience and psychiatry, their work has enlightened how DNA variations and environmental influences shape the development and behavior of the brain.
By using models ranging from flies from fruit to stem cells and by taking advantage of data science, they aim to develop more precise and personalized mental health treatments. Their recent objective on epigenetics explores how life experiences can change the activity of genes, offering new paths for early detection and prevention in psychiatric disorders.
Key facts:
- Genetic foundations: DNA variations play a key role in the formation of brain function and behavior.
- Environmental impact: Epigenetic research reveals how life experiences can change the expression of genes and influence mental health.
- New generation psychiatry: The integration of molecular tools and data science opens doors to personalized processing strategies.
Source: Genomic press
In a complete interview with the genomic press published today, Professor Barbara Franke unveils her remarkable scientific journey of a curious child fascinated by nature to become one of the most influential researchers in the world in biological psychiatry.
The molecular psychiatrist at Radboud University has fundamentally transformed our understanding of how genetic variations lead to altered behavior under neurodevelopmental conditions, in particular ADHD.
Hela cells with human behavior
Professor Franke’s career trajectory took an unexpected turn during a practical session isating the DNA of Hela cells.
“I fell in love with molecular genetics,” she recalls, describing how this pivotal moment moved her objective of the study of great apes in Africa to unravel the molecular mysteries of human behavior.
This transition finally led her to psychiatric genetics, where she found her real call to approach the controversial and misunderstood nature of ADHD.
With more than 500 publications evaluated by peers, Professor Franke has established himself among the most cited 1% cited in the world. His work extends far beyond the traditional identification of genes, using innovative approaches that fill several scientific disciplines.
“I am absolutely surprised to see how we can already learn on biological paths and cerebral cellular substrates underlying psychiatric conditions using data science methods,” she notes, while emphasizing the essential role of experimental validation.
Building bridges through disciplines
The leadership of Professor Franke in the foundation of multiple international research consortia, in particular the international collaboration of persistent ADHD (impact) and the ADHD of the ECNP network throughout the lifespan, demonstrates its commitment to collaborative science. As a founding member of Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC), she recognized early that the advancement of psychiatric genetics required unprecedented international cooperation.
His research philosophy combines cutting -edge bioinformatics with experimental models ranging from fruit flies to pluripotent stem cells induced by humans. This multifaceted approach raises intriguing questions about how genetic variations result in behavioral differences and if understanding these mechanisms could lead to more personalized treatments for neurodevelopmental conditions.
A new vision of psychiatric classification
At the head of the Radboud University Medical Center medical neuroscience department, Professor Franke houses ambitious objectives. “We still need a new nosology in psychiatry, and I want to contribute to it by identifying genes and ways,” she explains.
His recent company in epigenetics research explores how environmental factors interact with genetic predispositions, potentially disturbing new avenues for prevention and intervention strategies.
The knight decorated in the Order of the Netherlands approaches her work with a philosophy captured by the German proverb of which she lives: “Die Supy Wird Nicht So Heiß Gegessen, Wie Sie Gekocht Wird” (“Soup is not eaten as hot as it is cooked”). This balanced perspective allowed him to navigate in complex scientific challenges while supervising the next generation of researchers.
Impact beyond the laboratory
The influence of Professor Franke extends beyond his scientific contributions. His mentorship approach “Jump First First, later” enabled countless young scientists, in particular women, to seize opportunities in competitive research environments. This philosophy raises important questions about how scientific culture could evolve if more researchers adopted calculated risk -taking and rapid decision -making.
The interview reveals fascinating information on the recent transition from Professor Franke to epigenetics, using advanced single resolution techniques to study the modifications and transcriptomas of DNA. These advanced approaches could potentially identify biomarkers for the response to treatment or reveal critical windows for intervention during brain development.
While psychiatric conditions continue to allocate millions around the world, the work of Professor Franke offers hope for improved diagnosis and treatment. Its integration of molecular biology, neuroscience and clinical psychiatry illustrates the interdisciplinary approach necessary to combat complex brain disorders.
The question remains: at what speed can these biological ideas result in tangible improvements in patient care?
About this genetics and news from ADHD research
Author: Ma-li Wong
Source: Genomic press
Contact: Ma -li Wong – Genomic press
Picture: The image is credited with Neuroscience News
Original search: Open access.
“”Understanding the biological ways of genes with modified behavior under neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD – paving the way for a better understanding and care in psychiatry»By Barbara Franke et al. Genomic psychiatry
Abstract
Understanding the biological ways of genes with modified behavior under neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD – paving the way for a better understanding and care in psychiatry
In this interview with the genomic press, Professor Barbara Franke, a pioneer molecular psychiatrist of Radboud University in Nijmegen, shares her extraordinary scientific journey of a curious child fascinated by nature to become one of the most influential researchers in the world in biological psychiatry.
With more than 500 publications evaluated by peers and recognition among the most cited 1% worldwide, Franke has contributed to revolutionizing our understanding of the genetic foundations of neurodevelopmental disorders, in particular ADHD.
Bringing together international experts for interdisciplinary research, she founded and directs several international research consortia, including the international collaboration of persistent ADHD (impact) and the ADHD of the ECNP network throughout life.
His pioneering work extends beyond the identification of genes to shed light on the biological ways of genetic variations with altered behavior, using innovative complementary approaches, in particular bioinformatics, cerebral imaging genetics and experimental models using fruit flies and multi-sided stem cells induced by humans.
An elected member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, decorated Knight in the Order of the Netherlands, and recipient of numerous prestigious prizes, the scientific contributions of Franke are equaled by his passionate commitment to international collaboration and the mentorship of the next generation of researchers.
His recent transition to research on epigenetics, investigating the interaction between hereditary and environmental influences on psychiatric conditions, illustrates his unshakable determination to contribute to a new Nosology in psychiatry which will ultimately improve the diagnosis, treatment and management for millions in the world.
Guided by the German proverb “Die Suppe Wird Nicht So Heiß Gegessen, Wie Sie Gekocht Wird” (“Soup is not eaten as hot as cooked”), the balanced approach of Franke of life and science continues to inspire revolutionary advances at the intersection of genetics, neuroscience and psychiatry.
