Rolf I. Skotheim
Group leader

We investigate cancer genomes by integrated computational and laboratory based approaches. Our aim is to identify and characterise critical genes involved in the cancer development. Such genes may serve as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers and also as targets for future molecularly tailored therapy. Our studies are mainly focused on testicular and colorectal cancer.

Projects

- Qualitative transcript variation in cancer. We aim to identify and characterize cancer-specific transcript variants, such as those originating from alternative splicing, alternative promoter usage, and fusion genes. In particular we use methods such as exon level microarrays and high-throughput sequencing.
- Genomics of embryonal carcinomas and embryonic stem cells. To identify malignancy-specific expression of genes and transcript variants, we are comparing the transcriptomes of embryonal carcinomas to those of their non-malignant phenotypic counterparts, embryonic stem cells. More...
- Fusion genes. We have developed a novel oligonucleotide microarray-based system for fusion gene detection. This new tool enables screening of a sample for the presence of all oncogenic fusion transcripts known to date in a single experiment.

Group members

Picture taken in the Pasvik Valley, Finnmark, Northern Norway, after husky mushing! Back row (L-R): Marthe Løvf, Gard Thomassen, Trude Ågesen. Front row (L-R): Sharmini Alagaratnam, Anita Sveen, Lina Cekaite, Rolf Skotheim. Not present: Anne Cathrine Bakken, Torfinn Nome, and Andreas Hoff.

Associated members
Trude H. Ågesen, Paula Paulo, Diogo Silva, and Sigmund Brabrand are PhD students co-supervised by Rolf I. Skotheim.