Special Interview with Prof. Arthur A. B. Bergen

On January 16, 2023, the Editorial Office of Journal of Translational Genetics and Genomics (JTGG, Online ISSN: 2578-5281) had the honor to conduct an online interview with Prof. Arthur A. B. Bergen from the Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

As an outstanding expert in the field of ophthalmogenetic disorders, Prof. Bergen shared his perspective on ophthalmogenetic disorders and his research experience. Firstly, Prof. Bergen talked about the results of his recent study, "The retinal pigmentation pathway in human albinism: Not so black and white" (Prog Retin Eye Res 2022). He mentioned that they proposed a retinal pigmentation pathway that links all (known) albinism-associated genes, their functions and (ocular) phenotypes together to form a cohesive framework. The report opened new and systematic avenues for research into albinism and signaling from retinal pigment epithelium to neural retina during retinal development. In addition, he talked about how to promote new research results in the treatment of patients with ophthalmogenetic disorders and the clinical translation of new genetic technologies to provide better medical services for patients. He also mentioned the biggest challenge facing clinical translation. Furthermore, he shared some of his important research experiences and key turning points in his research, such as the first mapping of the human genome, the development of stem cell therapy, and the promotion of personalized medicine. Finally, he shared some suggestions for young researchers in academic research, in which he stressed the need for interest and persistence.

Interviewee introduction:

Prof. Arthur A. B. Bergen is a full Professor of the Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Prof. Bergen mostly deals with genetics, retinitis pigmentosa, ophthalmology, cell biology and gene. His study in mutation, X chromosome, gene mapping, locus and allele falls within the category of genetics. Prof. Bergen has researched mutation in several fields, including heterozygote advantage, phenotype, genetic heterogeneity and pseudoxanthoma elasticum. The focus of his group is to elucidate the complex genetics of ophthalmogenetic disorders and to develop rational, genomics-driven diagnostics and therapies.

The Editorial Office of JTGG will continue releasing more special interview series and build a multi-channel communication platform for more scholars in genetics.

Respectfully Submitted by the Editorial Office
Journal of Translational Genetics and Genomics