Forskningsbeskrivning
Our group is interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling stem cell maintenance, lineage specification and differentiation. These processes have to be tightly controlled to ensure self-renewing tissues with a life-long supply of cells during homeostasis. We use skin as our model system to study signaling pathways important for regulating epidermal and hair follicle stem cells in development, homeostasis and disease.
Current Projects
Its is becoming clear that mechanisms important for developing tissues are often reused in cancers. Cancer stem cells drive tumor formation, analogous to how normal stem cells maintain tissues. We are characterising transcriptional networks regulating properties of embryonic epidermal stem cells and squamous cell carcinoma cancer stem cells to identify unique and common signatures, with the long term aims of identifying novel therapeutic targets.
Current Lab Members
Wei Yang, Post Doc
Evelien Eenjes, Post Doc
Vera Shirokova, Post Doc
Kim Vikhe Patil, PhD student
David Grommisch, PhD student
Kylie Hin-Man Mak, PhD student
Interested in joining the lab?
Master and PhD projects may be available in the lab. Postdoctoral applications are welcome! Contact me directly via email.