Our research
Pre-messenger RNAs of transcribed genes are subject to alternative splicing in over 90% of multi-exon protein coding genes in the human body and correct choice of isoforms is key for cell differentiation, development and response to extracellular cues. There is currently little in-depth understanding on the usage of alternative splice isoforms to control cellular identities and it frequently remains unclear how cells mediate the exact expression of particular isoforms.
In order to better understand the patterns of alternative splicing and the underlying mechanisms that cells may employ to control them, we utilize modern single-cell genomics technologies. We develop and improve in particular full-length transcriptome sequencing to open up new possibilities to study this exciting topic. We hope that this technology development leads us to generate a deep and genome-wide mechanistic understanding of alternative splicing regulation, with important implications for many diseases where splicing has been observed to be altered.
In this area, a particular interest of the lab lies in splicing of pre-mRNA which is frequently dysregulated in cancers, especially in hematologic malignancies with recurrent somatic mutations of the spliceosome. Here, we envision that we can contribute to discovery of new targets for personalized therapies with our unique perspective of single-cell splicing analyses.
Do you want to join our research group?
Interested and motivated persons are always welcome to contact us! If you want to join or mission or maybe apply for a grant together, feel free to contact us at christoph.ziegenhain@ki.se.