Two LUMC researchers receive prestigious Vici grant

The funding is part of NWO's Veni Vidi Vici talent program in which the Vici is awarded to senior researchers. The funding of up to 1.5 million enables Vici laureates to further develop their own line of research and research group. This year, 35 Vici grants have been awarded.

Vascular dementia

Lesnik Oberstein is receiving Vici funding for her research on NOTCH3 dementia. People who carry the NOTCH3 gene have an increased risk of vascular dementia. Worldwide, this form of dementia occurs in 1 in 300 people. However, there are large differences between when and whether carriers of this gene develop dementia. The goal of Lesnik Oberstein's research is, on the one hand, to better predict which NOTCH3 carriers will develop dementia and, on the other hand, to identify new targets to treat or even prevent dementia.

Dangerous DNA structures

Knipscheer is being awarded a Vici grant for her research on a cell's ability to troubleshoot misfolded DNA structures. Most of our genetic material is folded into a neat double helix. Before a cell can divide, the DNA must be copied very precisely. Sometimes knots of some kind arise in the DNA strands, which can lead to all kinds of problems. Knipscheer will investigate what mechanisms a cell has at its disposal to untangle these DNA knots and thus keep the genetic material stable. Knipscheer is associate professor of Biochemistry of Genome Maintenance at LUMC and is also a group leader at the Hubrecht Institute.