The Division of Translational Endocrinology is a research unit under Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine at Copenhagen University Hospital – Herlev and Gentofte. Our ambition is to uncover new insights into biological processes that can ultimately benefit patients. Most of our research projects arise from clinical observations and questions that cannot readily be answered. Therefore, we combine a range of approaches, including experimental studies in functional laboratory models, analyses of tissue collected from patients, as well as information derived from the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment responses of our patients. This approach ensures that our research is clinically based, with the overarching aim of translating new biological insights into randomized trials and ultimately new evidence-based treatments for our patients.
Our work
The work in our research group is centered around the characterization of interactions between different organs through hormones and signaling pathways — both during the development of endocrine organs in fetal life and in relation to their function in adulthood. For instance, the importance of bone signals in the function of reproductive organs of both men and women has for a number of years been a major research focus of the group. Thus, we have investigated whether medication traditionally used for osteoporosis may also affect the function of testes and ovaries. Additionally, we are particularly interested in characterizing the fetal development and function of reproductive organs and other hormone-producing organs, such as the adrenal gland and the pituitary in human fetuses - since basic information about these processes are critical for understanding the development of diseases in these organs including infertility and cancer.
Translational approach
Our translational research approach is facilitated through extensive collaboration between physicians, molecular biologists, and chemists, all working to understand both the normal molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating endocrine function and the dysregulation leading to disease – in order to identify new therapeutic options for endocrine diseases. Thus, together with collaborators nationally and internationally we aim to contribute with valuable basic and clinical knowledge research findings related to endocrine organs and diseases, rare mineral disorders, and infertility.