Research

Before diving into specifics, we encourage you to read our About Us section for a general description of our work.

Our research is dedicated to unraveling the intricate mechanisms governing gene regulation in the context of aging-related disorders. By combining molecular biology with cutting-edge bioinformatics, we explore how epigenomic and epitranscriptomic mechanisms influence the aging process.

Project 1: Aging Epitranscriptomics

While molecular changes in aging are well-documented, the role of the epitranscriptome remains largely unexplored. It is unclear which epitranscriptomic modifications are relevant to the aging process and if any can serve as biomarkers.

Therefore, we are thoroughly exploring these changes during normal aging using diverse experimental models, ranging from mice to in vitro cell cultures.

We also employ mouse progeria models to analyze disease-specific changes and determine their similarity to the modifications observed during normal aging, thereby bridging the gap between disease and natural decline.

Project 2: Precision medicine for a better aging

We develop and optimize both experimental and bioinformatic tools to analyze biomarkers of healthy aging and age-related diseases.

Experimentally, we implement cost-effective RNA-sequencing to identify early disease biomarkers of aging-related disorders in populations of diverse genetic background.

Bioinformatically, we leverage innovative AI-driven methodologies to integrate diverse epigenomic data and extract meaningful insights. This work includes the development of “aging clocks“ (aka “epigentic clocks”), which measure biological age independent of chronological age.

Our ultimate goal is to enhance the prediction and early detection of age-related diseases, paving the way for personalized medicine and a dignified aging.

Project 3: Epitranscriptomics of age-related diseases

We investigate the role of epitranscriptomic regulation in age-related diseases, particularly cancer, and metabolic disorders.

We concentrate on m6Am, a prevalent mRNA modification catalyzed by PCIF1, exclusively located next to the mRNA cap. Although abundant, the function of m6Am in fundamental biological processes, including aging, remains largely unknown.

We employ a multifaceted approach, combining molecular, cellular, and genomic techniques to elucidate the role of m6Am in various cancer types. We also study PCIF1 in adipocytes and other metabolically active tissues during aging.

Ultimately, we aim to elucidate how metabolic dysregulation drives the onset and progression of major age-related diseases, such as cancer, establishing a critical link between metabolic health and age-related pathologies.

To delve deeper into our research, explore our latest publications, check our lab protocols, or contact us directly.