Maria Genander
About me
Our research aims to identify regulatory mechanisms that guide epithelial stem cells in forming and maintaining functional tissue architecture, and how deregulation of these processes leads to disease.
We are also found here:
https://ki.se/en/cmb/maria-genanders-group
Research
The Genander lab investigates the mechanisms of stem cell maintenance, lineage specification, and differentiation during epithelial development, homeostasis, and disease. We explore the cellular complexity of the skin and dissect the seemingly uniform esophageal epithelium to identify stem cell heterogeneity, uncover region-specific stem cell behaviors, and elucidate the molecular pathways that govern tissue architecture and function.
Current Projects
Understanding mechanisms of epithelial regionalization – location matters.
We have characterized the cellular landscape and transcriptional signatures along the esophageal tube, revealing how local stem cell–niche architectures dictate stem cell behavior in vivo. Our current focus is on understanding how these regional differences influence epithelial regeneration and tumor initiation. We aim to map local cell–cell communication circuits and identify signaling pathways that are differentially engaged within specific epithelial regions. Ultimately, our goal is to uncover pro-regenerative or tumor-suppressive mechanisms that may be relevant to human epithelial diseases.
Citrullination – investigating posttranslational protein modifications in regeneration
Citrullination, a post-translational modification of proteins, has been implicated in both stem cell renewal and various disease processes. Our research focuses on elucidating the role of citrullination in regulating stem cell maintenance and lineage commitment during the dynamic process of hair follicle regeneration.
Current Lab Members:
Evelien Eenjes, Research Specialist
Wei Yang, Research Specialist
Li Lei, Post DocKylie Hin-Man Mak, PhD student
Jesse Kuipers, Research Assistant
Interested in joining the lab?We are looking for highly motivated PhD or postdoctoral candidates who are interested in epithelial stem cell biology. Contact Maria Genander directly to get in touch!
Articles
- Article: EMBO MOLECULAR MEDICINE. 2025;17(4):747-774
- Article: DEVELOPMENTAL CELL. 2025;60(2):320-336.e9
- Article: STAR PROTOCOLS. 2024;5(4):103340
- Article: NATURE COMMUNICATIONS. 2024;15(1):9286
- Article: DEVELOPMENTAL CELL. 2024;59(10):1269-1283.e6
- Article: PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES. 2023;378(1890):20220451
- Article: AUTOPHAGY. 2023;19(9):2575-2577
- Article: JOVE-JOURNAL OF VISUALIZED EXPERIMENTS. 2023;(191)
- Article: DEVELOPMENT. 2022;149(22):dev201262
- Article: EMBO JOURNAL. 2018;37(9):embj201798280
- Article: EXPERIMENTAL CELL RESEARCH. 2016;348(1):10-22
- Article: SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE. 2015;7(281):281ra44
- Article: CELL STEM CELL. 2014;15(5):619-633
- Article: GENES & DEVELOPMENT. 2014;28(4):328-341
- Article: CURRENT OPINION IN CELL BIOLOGY. 2010;22(5):611-616
- Article: STEM CELLS. 2010;28(7):1196-1205
- Article: CELL. 2009;139(4):679-692
- Article: BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS. 2008;373(3):355-359
- Article: CELL. 2006;125(6):1151-1163
All other publications
- Review: FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY. 2025;13:1632255
- Editorial comment: JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY. 2023;143(7):1120-1122
- Review: FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY. 2021;9:789676
- Review: CELL ADHESION & MIGRATION. 2012;6(2):126-130
- Editorial comment: CELL CYCLE. 2010;9(10):1865-1866
- Doctoral thesis: 2009
Grants
- Swedish Research Council1 January 2024 - 31 December 2026
- Swedish Cancer Society1 January 2023
- European Research Council1 March 2020 - 31 August 2026
- Comparative studies of stem and tumor cells in skinRagnar Söderberg Foundation1 January 2016 - 31 December 2020
- Mechanisms of skin self-renewal, differentiation and cancerSwedish Foundation for Strategic Research1 September 2015 - 30 April 2018
Employments
- Principal Researcher, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 2022-
Degrees and Education
- Docent, Karolinska Institutet, 2025
- Degree Of Doctor Of Philosophy, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 2009