معرفی
Dr. Jorke Kamstra is an Associate Professor at the Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, where he leads the endocrine toxicology team. His research focuses on understanding how endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) interfere with molecular pathways regulating energy metabolism and cellular differentiation, particularly in metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Kamstra received his PhD from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) in 2017, where he studied transgenerational effects of environmental stress via epigenetic inheritance in zebrafish. Before his PhD, he worked for over a decade as a research technician at the Institute for Environmental Studies, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. In 2014, he earned his MSc in Molecular Cell Biology cum laude.
His research centers on how metabolic disruptors act on transcriptional and epigenetic regulatory networks, influencing gene expression programs and shaping phenotypes. He is particularly interested in epigenetic reprogramming's role in mediating persistent or transgenerational effects of EDCs. His team combines mechanistic toxicology with systems-level approaches to uncover critical pathways underlying EDC-induced metabolic dysfunction. They develop and apply in vitro models or new approach methodologies (NAMs) to study effects on adipocyte, liver, and pancreas to identify chemical stressors with metabolism-disrupting potential. Current research topics include EDC effects on fatty liver disease (EDC-MASLD), BPA alternatives' effects on adiposity via PPAR gamma (PARC), and PFAS effects on adipogenesis and pancreas (AFARA).
Analysis of Dr. Kamstra's publication record reveals a strong focus on epigenetic mechanisms of endocrine disruption, transgenerational effects, and metabolism-disrupting chemicals. His work spans from fundamental molecular mechanisms to applied risk assessment, with increasing emphasis on developing standardized in vitro models for regulatory purposes. Recent publications show growing interest in microplastics and nanoplastics effects on reproduction and early development.
Dr. Kamstra has published extensively in high-impact journals, with his work cited widely in the fields of toxicology, epigenetics, and environmental health. His research has contributed significantly to understanding how environmental chemicals disrupt metabolic pathways through epigenetic mechanisms.
He is actively involved in teaching courses including Advanced Toxicology and Health Effects Toxicology - Food, Pesticides and Drugs. His team includes PhD students and postdoctoral researchers working on various aspects of endocrine and metabolic disruption, contributing to the development of innovative, animal-free approaches for chemical safety assessment.
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