Hassan Hosseinzadeh
From GWAS to neuroprotective pathways
In September, I started the project at the Department of Human Genetics, University of Oldenburg, where I work under the supervision of Prof. Dr. John Neidhardt and Prof. Dr. Harold Snieder. The initial phase of my work involves conducting sophisticated bioinformatics analyses to identify genes linked to primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and uncover potential neuroprotective pathways for targeting.
Moving forward, in the subsequent project phase, I will join Prof. Dr. Arthur A. Bergen’s laboratory at the Academic Medical Centre of the University of Amsterdam. In this phase, the focus will be on validating our initial computational findings through functional experimentation. This stage aims to authenticate and substantiate the outcomes derived from our earlier computational analyses, thereby ensuring a comprehensive exploration of our initial dry lab discoveries.
Personal Background and Interest
I completed my Masters in Genetics and gained experience at a Genetics Diagnostic Laboratory, where I spent several years. During this time, my research primarily concentrated on rare Mendelian disorders. My main focus lies in understanding the genetic basis of both inherited Mendelian disorders and complex conditions. I aim to delve into the molecular mechanisms that drive these diseases, intending to identify potential targets for treatment purposes.

Aim of the project
This project aims to characterize the genetic underlying of POAG and introduce therapeutic options by exploring neuroprotective pathways.

Current activities/Accomplishments
I’m currently investigating how ciliary genes play a role in causing glaucoma. Earlier large-scale analysis involving diverse ancestries, known as multi-ancestry meta-genome-wide association analyses (GWAS), linked these genes to POAG. We’re now conducting detailed analyses, known as post-GWAS analysis, using the summary statistics of the GWAS analysis alongside data from whole genome and exome sequencing. During this process, we’ve started categorizing ciliary genes and discovered that about one-fifth of the genes linked to glaucoma are related to ciliary function.