dr. Annelynn Wallaert (PhD)
Molecular biologist - Lab for Clinical Biology, Molecular Hematology (Ghent University Hospital)
Principal investigator: apr. Barbara Denys
Research focus
At the Laboratory for Molecular Hematology, we investigate patient samples across a broad spectrum of hematological malignancies to identify the molecular abnormalities driving their disease. These insights support accurate diagnosis, inform prognosis, and can reveal actionable targets for precision therapies. Moreover, detecting specific molecular markers at diagnosis enables the monitoring of measurable residual disease (MRD), providing valuable guidance for treatment decisions.
Our assays are based on RNA or DNA and employ a range of advanced techniques, including PCR with capillary electrophoresis, quantitative PCR (qPCR), digital PCR, and next-generation sequencing (NGS). For NGS, we collaborate with the MDG lab for sequencing on Illumina platforms, or we conduct in-house sequencing using our Nanopore technology.
Most of our assays are developed internally, allowing us to rapidly adapt to the evolving landscape of molecular diagnostics and giving our patients the best care. Our laboratory is accredited under ISO 15189:2022, ensuring the highest standards of analytical quality and reliability.
Key publications
- ‘Long noncoding RNA signatures define oncogenic subtypes in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia’, Leukemia, 2016. (PMID: 27168467).
- ‘The Notch driven long non-coding RNA repertoire in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia’, Haematologica, 2014. (PMID: 25344525).
- ‘Comprehensive miRNA expression profiling in human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia by small RNA-sequencing’, Scientific Reports, 2017. (PMID: 28801656).
- ‘T-ALL and thymocytes: a message of noncoding RNAs’, Journal of Hematology & Oncology, 2017. (PMID: 28270163).
- ‘Novel biological insights in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia’, Experimental Hematology, 2015. (PMID: 26123366).
- ‘Long non-coding RNAs in leukemia: biology and clinical impact’, Current Opinion in Hematology, 2017. (PMID: 28441150).
- ‘Characterization of the genome-wide TLX1 binding profile in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia’, Leukemia, 2015. (PMID: 26108691).
- ‘Unique long non-coding RNA expression signature in ETV6/RUNX1-driven B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia’, Oncotarget, 2016 (PMID: 27650541).
Contact & links
- Lab address: C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent
- Clinical Biology Lab, Ghent University Hospital
- Annelynn Wallaert is interested to receive invitations for presentations or talks