Research

Work of the group provided an understanding how cellular reprogramming during regenerative and tumorous processes is achieved. The major research areas of the laboratory focused on mechanisms of epigenetic gene control, cellular signaling and the interplay between the two.

In a eukaryotic cell chromatin controls the activity of genes and maintains gene expression patterns epigenetically stable and heritable during cell division. Cellular signaling on the other hand conveys extracellular information to chromatin affecting gene expression. For a fundamental understanding of how cells become determined and differentiate, it is essential to map the imprints that developmental programs, external cues, and homeostatic turnover leave on chromatin. The group generated systems-level comprehensive descriptions of chromatin state and its dynamics to understand tissue specific epigenetic classification of cells. They employ holistic approaches using whole organisms – the fruit fly Drosophila – in combinations with reductive approaches using mammalian cell lines to gain insights into basic and conserved epigenetic gene control mechanisms. They studied cellular reprogramming during regeneration and cancer development in order to identify the external cues and signaling cascades leading to tissue recovery after injury or disease.