Fund TWINS
Within this line of research, the 'Obstetrics and Prenatal Diagnostics' research group carries out studies into the distinction between heredity and environment in twins.
Fund TWINS (Dutch website) encourage scientific research with multiples and support the East Flanders Prospective Twin Survey (EFPTS). Since 1964, the EFPTS registers multiples born in East-Flanders. Every maternity in East Flanders participate and more than 98% of the multiple births are registered. The EFPTS is unique in the world and contains a wealth of information of more than 10 000 multiples for researchers.
Data and sample collection
EFPTS has several unique features: it is population-based and prospective, with the possibility of long-term follow-up.
Importance of studies with multiple births
The DNA of monozygotic twins is identical. Dizygotic twins are, just like brother and sister, genetically equal for 50%. By comparing information on monozygotic and dizygotic twins, researchers gain insight into the role of nature vs nurture.
If the genetic factors (nature) have a low impact, the environmental factors (nurture) can be determined.
Monozygotic twins
Monozygotic twins originate from the fertilisation of 1 oocyte by 1 sperm. After fertilisation, the oocyte splits into 2 identical parts. We can define 3 groups of monozygotic twins: monochorial monoamniotic, monochorial diamniotic, and dichorial diamniotic, depending on the time of splitting of the oocyte. Monozygotic twins are genetically identical and always have the same sex.
Dizygotic twins
Dizygotic twins originate from two oocytes that are each fertilised by 1 sperm. The twins are 50% genetically identical, like brother and sister. Dizygotic twins can have the same or opposite sex.
Current research projects
Research into factors that influence breast and ovarian cancer
The study was initiated by a research group in Norway. This study aims to map the genetic profile of the BRCA1 gene in various populations, including identical twins. DNA analyses for the BRCA1 gene are being performed using a piece of placental tissue taken at birth.
By comparing the results of the DNA analysis within a single twin pair, genetic and environmental influences can be distinguished. These results could provide more insight into which factors are genetically determined or more likely linked to environmental factors in the development of breast or ovarian cancer.
- researchers: Per Lønning (Norway) and Steven Weyers (Ghent University)
Belgian Genome Library
Fund TWINS is proud to announce a collaboration with UZ Leuven for a national project: the Belgian Genome Library. This initiative aims to create a reference database containing genetic information from the Belgian population. Such a database is of great value for medical and scientific research, as it helps researchers better understand the genetic causes of various diseases.
To contribute to this innovative project, Fund TWINS will provide placental tissue from twins registered in our database. At birth, a small piece of placental tissue is preserved for further research, and this will now be analysed in the laboratory of UZ/KU Leuven. The genetic information obtained from this analysis will be securely encoded and stored in the Belgian Genome Library.
Join groundbreaking genetic research! We are looking for adult twins who are willing to contribute to this scientific advancement. Are you interested and want to learn more? Get in touch with the TWINS team via eline.meireson@uzgent.be or twins@uzgent.be.
- researchers: Joris Vermeesch (KU Leuven), Steven Weyers (UGent), Eline Meireson (UGent)
Research on Triplets: A Unique Opportunity to Advance Science
Triplets are rare and offer researchers a unique opportunity to answer important questions about health and genetics. How significant is the influence of heredity in the development of certain conditions? And what role does the environment play?
To gain better insight into these questions, we invite adult triplets (≥25 years) to participate in a new study. This project is linked to the East Flanders Twin Registry, which has been collecting data on multiple births since 1964.
For the first time, a study will be conducted in which adult triplets are surveyed about their health and social status. This research is highly valuable—not only for scientists, but also for future triplets and their families.
Want to participate in this triplet study? Click here for the consent form and questionnaire »
Completing the questionnaire takes only 10 to 15 minutes and can be paused and resumed at any time.
Do you or your sibling(s) have questions? We’re happy to help. Contact our research team via 09 332 78 17 (Eline Meireson) or Eline.meireson@uzgent.be. Your participation makes a difference!
- researchers: Kristien Roelens (UGent), Noortje van Oostrum, Catherine Derom (UGent), Evert Thiery (UGent), Eline Meireson (UGent), Judith van Laar (MMC), Liesbeth Lewi (UZ Leuven)
Heritability, Socioeconomic Status, and Antisocial Behaviour
This study examines the combined contribution of genetic factors and environmental influences to antisocial behaviour in children. Specifically, we focus on the role of socioeconomic status (SES), which refers to the social position and living conditions of a family. We test the hypothesis that the degree to which antisocial behaviour is heritable may vary depending on the family's SES—in other words, that heritability is context-dependent.
For this research, we use data from multiples (twins and triplets) from the East Flanders Twin Registry. The participants were between 6 and 16 years old when the questionnaires were completed (between 1992 and 2002). The study is conducted by researchers affiliated with Ghent University. Using statistical models, we analyze how genetic predisposition and social factors jointly influence antisocial behavior.
The results will be published in scientific journals and shared with the general public through popular science communication.
- researchers:Lieven Pauwels (UGent), Ann De Buck (UGent), Catherine Derom (UGent), Eline Meireson (UGent)
Collaboration
Fund TWINS is a collaboration between different universities namely the University of Ghent, Leuven Hasselt, and Maastricht. Fund TWINS is located at the Gent University Hospital.
Request for collaboration
The study has an open policy in regard to collaboration with other research groups. Requests for collaboration should primarily be pointed to the chairmen of Fund TWINS Prof. dr. Steven Weyers. These requests are discussed in the scientific board regarding their study aims, overlap with ongoing studies, logistic consequences and financial contributions. After approval of the project by the scientific board, the project can be submitted to the ethical committee of UZ Gent for ethical approval.
Publications
Questions?
The TWINS study team is responsible for the organization and follow-up of the TWINS Fund.
+ 32 9 332 29 14
twins@uzgent.be