The research group led by Prof. Maikel Peppelenbosch investigates how gastrointestinal and liver diseases develop and how biological insights can improve their detection, monitoring, and treatment. Bringing together laboratory scientists, clinicians, and biotechnology partners, the group connects experimental research with patient care. A shared priority is diagnostic innovation: developing new biomarkers and technologies while improving the clinical value of established tests.
Early detection of gastrointestinal cancer is a major research theme. Prof. Peppelenbosch’s ERC-funded programme investigates pancreatic juice as a source of biomarkers for early pancreatic cancer detection. Combining cell-free DNA analysis, fragmentomics, and glycan profiling, this work seeks to identify disease-associated changes in individuals at increased risk. Complementary projects investigate the origins of Barrett’s oesophagus, early colorectal neoplasia, and the patterns and presenting symptoms of early-onset gastrointestinal cancer. New endoscopic imaging approaches and digital workflows support multidisciplinary assessment of complex colorectal polyps and early cancer.
Research in inflammatory bowel disease explores interactions between intestinal epithelial cells, immune cells, and the microbiome. Single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and tissue imaging reveal their organisation in health and disease. Projects investigate biomarkers for postoperative Crohn’s recurrence, microbial DNA in blood, and experimental stem-cell-based approaches. Research on faecal calprotectin demonstrates how understanding a biomarker’s biological origins can improve diagnostic interpretation.
Other programmes pursue less invasive assessment of eosinophilic oesophagitis, biomarkers for mesenteric ischaemia, and cell-free DNA measurements in liver disease and hepatitis E. Nutritional research examines how bioactive food components influence cellular signalling and epithelial repair.
Organoids, stem cells, and extracellular matrix technologies underpin these activities. Collaboration with Matriarch Life Sciences supports reproducible culture matrices for disease modelling. Through clinical partnerships and the training of early-career researchers, the group develops the evidence and expertise needed to translate discoveries into diagnostic and therapeutic applications.