Kristina Lanko

Kristina Lanko is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Genetics at Erasmus MC, Faculty of Medicine. Her research is centered on understanding the genetic and molecular basis of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, with a strong focus on functional genomics and gene regulation.

Her research interests span Genetics, Neuronal Differentiation, Regulatory Elements, Non-coding DNA, and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. She employs in vitro models, zebrafish, and patient-derived cells to study disease mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic strategies. Her work integrates molecular biology, epigenetics, and computational approaches to interpret disease-relevant genetic variants.

The most recent articles highlight a consistent focus on neurogenetics and translational genomics. Themes include the role of ubiquitin proteases in neurodevelopment (e.g., USP7), modeling hereditary spastic paraplegia, interpreting non-coding variants using AI, and identifying biomarkers for spinal muscular atrophy. These studies demonstrate a translational trajectory from basic molecular mechanisms to clinical applications.

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Kristina Lanko actively collaborates with leading researchers in the field, including Dr. Tamer Barakat, and contributes to significant discoveries in rare genetic diseases. While specific grants or advising roles are not detailed, her position as an assistant professor and co-authorship on multiple high-impact papers suggest active mentorship and research leadership. Her work is published in top-tier journals such as Genes & Development, Acta Neuropathologica, and Journal of Neuroinflammation.

She is involved in building functional genomics resources and preclinical models, indicating leadership in a research team or lab focused on precision medicine for neurological disorders.