University of Groningen
Opportunities and Challenges of Epigenetic Editing in Human Diseases
Goubert, Désirée
DOI:
10.33612/diss.173201281
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Publication date: 2021
Link to publication in University of Groningen/UMCG research database
Citation for published version (APA):
Goubert, D. (2021). Opportunities and Challenges of Epigenetic Editing in Human Diseases: Towards the Curable Genome. University of Groningen. https://doi.org/10.33612/diss.173201281
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Propositions
These propositions belong to the PhD thesis by Désirée Goubert (2020) entitled
Opportunities and Challenges of Epigenetic Editing in
Human Diseases
Towards the Curable Genome
1. Epigenetic Editing has the potential to develop into clinically relevant one-and-done approaches, where patients are treated once, after which the modified epigenetic marks are maintained on the target gene, and could lead to breakthroughs in curing diseases that are currently uncurable: “The curable epigenome”. (This thesis)
2. The possibility to prevent resistance to endocrine therapy using epigenetic insights will be a step closer to a so-called tailored therapy for breast cancer patients. (Chapter 2 of this thesis) 3. Epigenetic modulation is well suited to unravel functional effects of specific genes, and their
causal role in many different diseases. (Chapter 4 of this thesis)
4. Let data speak for themselves and be aware of dogma’s: KRAB is a supposedly transient effector domain, yet several systems showed a long-term repressing effect. (Chapter 5 of this thesis)
5. Unravelling epigenetic context specific targeting is an important prerequisite to develop epigenetic reprogramming into a straightforward technology for effective and specific interventions. (This thesis)
6. Technical improvements are facilitating efficient delivery of Epigenetic Editing constructs in a laboratory setting. The use of stably expressing or fluorescent assisted sorted cells improves reading out the effect of Epigenetic Editing on gene functioning. (Chapters 6 & 7 of this thesis) 7. “The power to control our species’ genetic future is awesome and terrifying. Deciding how to handle it may be the biggest challenge we have ever faced.” (Jennifer A. Doudna, A Crack in Creation)
8. “Sometimes the prize is not worth the costs. The means by which we achieve victory are as important as the victory itself.” (Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings)
9. Science is not finished until it is communicated and only through public outreach, research can truly make an impact. (Désirée Goubert, 2017)
10. Never stop believing in yourself, those who do not look for magic will never find it. Unicorns do exist! (Désirée Goubert, 2020)
