prof. dr. Joost Drenth

About Joost Drenth

Joost PH Drenth is a Gastroenterologist  and interested in polycystic liver disorders.  His research program centers on achieving a comprehensive molecular understanding of human gastrointestinal diseases. He is mainly focused on polycystic liver disease (PLD) which is characterised by massively enlarged liver that can grow to >6 times its original size. We have designed a  translational research program, with a clear focus on the elucidation of pathogenesis and development of novel medical treatment options. The final goal is discovery novel paradigms for effective treatment of patients. We have taken an approach that begins with disease gene discovery through positional cloning to understand the genetic bases for the diseases, followed by functional studies to understand cellular pathogenesis.  Our current projects include a clinical tract that aims to test new compounds for PLD in human patients. Our experimental tract aims to identify new identification of key intracellular signalling pathways in PLD by identifying novel genetic causes.