Molecular Cell Biology of Animals
The research of the division of Molecular Cell Biology of Animals led by Prof. Dr. Baris Tursun aims to understand cellular safeguarding mechanisms better. An important aspect of the research is how safeguarding mechanisms counteract the reprogramming of cells and play a role in Aging.
Cellular reprogramming allows the conversion of differentiated cells to other identities or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Such reprogrammed cells may be used in the near future as a source for healthy and fresh cells to repair damaged tissues in patients.
Aim of the research
Our conducted research addresses the following questions:
- How can we improve the reprogramming efficiency to generate other functional cell types and stem cells?
- Which cellular safeguarding mechanisms counteract reprogramming?
- How are cell fates and animal aging affected upon impairment of safeguarding mechanisms?
- How does environmental stress such as infections and changing food conditions affect cellular safeguarding mechanisms?
- How are epigenetics processes and metabolism interlinked in the context of cellular safeguarding, reprogramming, and Aging?
