The BioPsych project (2021-2023) aimed to find RNA biomarkers for different psychiatric disorders. The BioPsych team had access to the Danish Brain Collection, and they used the small brain fragments collected from psychiatric patients between 1945-1982 to identify sex-specific RNA biomarkers that can discriminate between disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
After identification of potential biomarkers, the team has initiated in vivo experiments where the biomarkers are radiolabelled and injected into pigs. As a follow-up for the project, the BioPsych team has initiated a new collaboration to investigate, whether the identified biomarkers are also found in saliva and blood, which will make it easier to use the potential biomarkers.
On this page you can can watch a video recorded at the beginning of the BioPsych project. You can also read an article with specific focus on the potential of biomarkers for depression. Lastly, you can find a list of project participants and read a short cartoon introduction to the project.
THE BioPsych TEAM
Academic team members
- Betina Elfving, Associate Professor, Aarhus University
- Jørgen Kjems, Professor, Aarhus University
- Lasse S. Kristensen, Assoc. Professor, Aarhus University
- Dirk Bender, Head of radiochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital
- Erik Kaadt, PhD student, Aarhus University
- Rolf Søkilde, postdoc, Aarhus University
Industrial team member
- Boye Schnack Nielsen, Bioneer
- Morten Venø, omiics
ABOUT ODIN
We unite bright minds from industry and academia to jointly create need-driven clinical research projects - and pave the way for innovative new treatments and diagnostics. We fund the best project ideas through competitive funding calls. Although companies cannot receive funding, it is free of charge to join.
The platform is sponsored by the Novo Nordisk Foundation with 180 million DKK from 2024-2029.
CONTACT ODIN
You are welcome to contact us if you have questions or comments. Reach out to odin@au.dk or find the Secretariat's direct email addresses under contacts.
Although the platform spans five Danish universities, we're based in Aarhus. Our office is located at Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 120, blg 1521-214.
