The domains are: Genetic, Epidemiology, Immunology & Bioinformatics

In a cohort of 2400 individuals (1200 at baseline & examined 10 years later) with 2/3 of them undergoing cardiovascular events, I want to know if their cardiovascular state (generally atherosclerotic state) influences their predisposition to have Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential (CHIP). CHIP is a somatic mutation which globally worsens the cardiovascular state of the patient, and thus with this longitudinal study, I want to also know if there are different risk factors that could be associated with CHIP (as we have medical/clinical information of the 2400 patients).

To answer this question I work with NGS data (coming from a laboratory we are collaborating with at the CHUV) to know the presence of CHIP in the 2400 individuals & the type of mutation (we work on 9 specific CHIP mutations).

In parallel I work with another laboratory at EPFL who induces CHIP mutations in mice (Control & atherosclerotic mice) and analyze/understand the biological processes implicated during CHIP. Therefore, we could try to understand the underlying mechanisms happening during CHIP in humans thanks to the murine model.

We also specifically look for immunological biomarkers that could be markers of inflammation/Cardiovascular diseases and CHIP mutations. They could be future potential targets for therapy.