Biomolecules & Health

The professorship Biomolecules & Health is led by professor Fin Milder and focuses on the molecular processes that are involved in health and illness. The research is aimed at the impact of biobased molecules on living systems. These living systems include everything from microbial communities to human cell lines and humanised 3D-models. The goal of the professorship is to realise a healthier and more sustainable world.

Within the professorship, work is currently being carried out on the following projects and research plans:

Treatment of lung cancer and resistance development
A substantial part of the current work within the professorship consists of the research project on the development of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI) resistance in ROS1 translocation. ROS1 translocation is a rare form of lung cancer that occurs mainly in young, non-smoking patients. In this project, we study the development of resistance during treatment with TKI inhibitors. The project is being carried out in collaboration with the University Medical Center Groningen, the University of Groningen, and the Merels Wereld Foundation.

Health effects of collagen
Collagen is of animal origin and is mainly derived from the connective tissue and bones of fish, pigs, and cattle. The current use of collagen lies primarily in its processing into dietary supplements that claim to improve skin health. Recent scientific studies indicate that collagen may also have added value for medical applications, particularly in relieving pain symptoms in the most common form of arthritis.

Our research focuses on quantifying the impact of different forms of collagen on, for example, intestinal and cartilage cells. We conduct this research in collaboration with a collagen producer in the Northern Netherlands that processes collagen from residual streams. This will yield greater insight into the health effects of collagen and will, in the long term, make it possible to evaluate plant-based alternatives.