Maria Genander

The Genander lab is interested in understanding stem cell maintenance,
lineage specification and differentiation during homeostasis and tumor
formation. We use epithelial stem cell niches to understand the link
between normal stem cell function and tumor initiation and development.

Transcriptional regulation of epidermal progenitor and tumor cells
It 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 developing epidermal stem
cells and squamous cell carcinoma tumor cells to identify signatures that can
be used to reduce tumor growth.

Posttranslational protein modifications in developing hair follicles
We want to understand how posttranslational modifications of proteins,
including histone tails, affect stem and progenitor cells in the hair
follicle. Citrullination is a protein modification where arginine is
converted to the neutral amino acid citrulline. The generation of citrulline
affects protein folding, interaction dynamics with other proteins and, in the
case of histone tail citrullination, transcriptional activity. We are
studying the role of citrullination in hair follicle progenitor cell
proliferation and lineage commitment.

Progenitor cell heterogeneity in the esophagus
We have identified heterogeneity within the esophageal stem cell population
in the normal mouse esophagus, and are now working to understand how this
heterogeneity is established and maintained. We want to functionally
characterize distinct stem cell populations and map out how they interact
with neighboring stromal cells in the healthy esophagus, in order to then
understand how these interactions change during esophageal cancer. Our goal
is to systematically identify and impact alterations in tumor cells and their
stromal niche to reduce tumor burden.

Please visit our lab website:
https://ki.se/en/cmb/maria-genanders-group

Current lab members
Wei Yang, Post Doc
Evelien Eenjes, Post Doc
Kim Vikhe Patil, Post Doc
Li Lei, Post Doc
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.