Dorien J.M. Peters is professor of Human Genetics, in particular in the molecular and functional genetics of polycystic kidney disease, at the Department of Human Genetics at the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC). She received in 2013 the Lillian Jean Kaplan International Prize for Advancement in the Understanding of Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD).

More information about Dorien Peters

Dorien J.M. Peters is professor of Human Genetics, in particular in the molecular and functional genetics of polycystic kidney disease, at the Department of Human Genetics at the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC).

She received in 2013 the Lillian Jean Kaplan International Prize for Advancement in the Understanding of Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD).

Molecular and functional genetics

Molecular and functional genetics studies the structure and function of genes at the molecular level, and how molecular variations affect biological mechanisms. We apply a multidisciplinary state-of-the art program to get insight into the genetics, pathophysiology and functional mechanisms of inherited disorders, most notably Polycystic Kidney Disease. The overall aim of our research is the design of new therapeutic approaches. Different model systems are being generated and used to perform in-depth analyses of the molecular alterations, to identify new drug targets and test potential therapies. Over the years I have set-up and coordinated several translational multicenter PKD-research consortia (TranCYST, DIPAK, DRUGtrain) to facilitate translation of fundamental and preclinical research to the clinic.

Our research aligns with the ‘Nationale wetenschapsagenda ‘(point 90, 94 en 102) and the Dutch renal strategic agenda,  "Beating kidney disease".

Academic career

Dorien J.M. Peters  did her PhD-research at the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics of the Science faculty of Leiden University. The title of her doctoral thesis  reads ‘Regulation of cAMP-induced gene expression in Dictyostelium discoideum’ (February 13, 1991).

She subsequently became postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Human Genetics of the LUMC. In 1999 she became group leader, first as assistant professor, in 2000 as associate professor and since 2014 as a full professor.  Her inaugural lecture was spoken on April 17, 2015, and was titled "The context matters".

She is also chair of the Study programme committee for Biomedical Sciences and Member of the MD/PhD-MSc/PhD-committee of the LUMC.

Prizes and honourable appointments

Dorien J.M. Peters received in 2013 the Lillian Jean Kaplan International Prize for Advancement in the Understanding of Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), for excellence and leadership in PKD research. She received in 1996 the Nephrology award from the Dutch Society of Nephrology.

Publications