Thyroid Group

At the Erasmus MC Thyroid Center, we get excited about the thyroid gland and thyroid hormones. We strive to create impact by challenging current paradigms. Our research maps onto three themes with the explicit aim to create synergy:   

Fundamental & translational research 
We aim to elucidate new key players and mechanisms in normal and disordered cellular thyroid hormone signaling. We aim to develop new therapies for patients with common and rare thyroid disorders. 
 
Genetic and epidemiological research  
We aim to unravel determinants and effects of thyroid function and dysfunction utilizing (international) population-based cohorts ranging from pregnant women to the elderly. 
 
Clinical research  
We aim to improve clinical management for benign and malignant thyroid (and thyroid hormone signaling) disorders by investigating determinants of disease in international consortia as well as new diagnostics and treatments in observational studies and clinical trials. 
 
Values 
Where do we stand for? 
We address truly relevant research questions.  
We stimulate crazy ideas, while focussing and prioritizing to get projects done.  
We foster a flat structure, enjoy a good atmosphere and seek a good balance between junior and senior researchers. 
We seek the best people.  
We welcome diversity and complementary skills. 
We strive to build strong (inter)national research networks and collaborations, including scientists, clinicians, patient organizations and private parties. 
 
Research themes 
Fundamental and translational science 
We investigate normal and disordered thyroid hormone signaling. Cellular thyroid hormone signaling is regulated at different levels. Thyroid hormone transporters at the plasma membrane facilitate transmembrane transport of thyroid hormones. Deiodinating enzymes catalyze thyroid hormone activation and inactivation. In the nucleus, the thyroid hormone receptor functions as a ligand-dependent transcription factor. 
MCT8 is a key transporter, which discovery by Theo J. Visser (former head of the lab) led to a paradigm shift in the field. We investigate molecular aspects of normal and mutated MCT8, linking this to clinical observations in patients with MCT8 deficiency. Mutations in both thyroid hormone receptor alpha or beta give rise to distinct syndromes of resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH). We study the molecular mechanisms underlying these disorders. 
With brain being a key target for thyroid hormones, we employ induced pluripotent stem cells to model the effects of thyroid hormones in human neural cells.  
 
Genetics and epidemiology 
As genetics is the most important determinant of variation in thyroid function, we study the genetic basis of thyroid function and disease. This research is amongst others performed in the international ThyroidOmics Consortium. The results of these studies are used to discover novel players in thyroid hormone regulation, study the effects of variation in thyroid function on clinical outcomes, and investigate their application in the clinical management of patients with thyroid disorders.  
We furthermore study the determinants and effects of variation in thyroid function and disease across the entire lifespan, from early pregnancy, through childhood to middle and old age. This is amongst others performed in the Rotterdam Study, a population-based cohort, and Generation R, a birth cohort, both situated in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. We also conduct large-scale collaborative studies on clinically relevant topics through the Consortium on Thyroid and Pregnancy and in the Thyroid Studies Collaboration using advanced epidemiological techniques, including Individual Participant Data meta-analyses, with the ultimate goal to improve diagnosis and management of thyroid diseases.  
 
Clinical studies 
We study disease characteristics and therapies in patients with thyroid disorders through cohort studies, consortia and clinical trials (phase 1-3). 
We explore disease characteristics in patients with thyroid cancer in order to improve clinical management for this rare disorder. We lead several trials, including an international trial which studies whether the T3 analogue Triac can improve neurodevelopment in patients with MCT8 deficiency. Moreover, we lead a multicenter placebo-controlled trial in which hypothyroid patients with persistent symptoms are treated with levothyroxine (LT4) plus levotriiodothyronine (LT3) or placebo. We participate in different other trials in patients with MCT8 deficiency and patients with Graves’ orbitopathy. Part of these trials are embedded within our regional Thyroid Network, a collaboration between 15 hospitals. 
 
People 
 
The Thyroid Research Group is part of the Erasmus MC Thyroid Center in which we strive to help people, science and society through excellent research, care and education. People are key to do so. 
 
Head of laboratory 
*  Edward Visser, Chief of division of Endocrinology 
 
Principal Investigators 
* Marco Medici, Head of Thyroid Center 
* Layal Chaker 
* Tim I.M. Korevaar 
 
Senior scientists 
* Marcel E. Meima 
 
Postdocs 
* Ulgu Arslan – Van Bergen 
* Anna Lopez Martí 
* Christiaan Stavast  
* Ali Javed 
 
PhD students  
* Maarten Bukman 
* Nathalie Dierichs  
* Valerie Eikema  
* Meryem al Fatly  
* Matthijs Freund 
* Jonathan Hofsteede  
* Hannah Hulsewé  
* Wenjun Liao  
* Floor van der Most  
* Xiaoyi Qi  
* Leonoor Schonebaum  
 
Technicians 
* Selmar Leeuwenburgh 
* Joris van Dongen 
* Max Tio 
 
 
Master students 
 
Bachelor students 
 
Alumni