Stem Cell Biology and Cellular Engineering

Our research focusses on the molecular mechanisms that determine cell fate decisions of human stem cells. Focus is on human hematopoietic stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells. We characterize how epigenetic changes are acquired during differentiation and how differentiation is regulated by external stimuli. We are particularly interested in the following aspects: (i) Aging and replicative senescence of stem cells;(ii) Characterization of mesenchymal stromal cells for tissue engineering; (iii) Characterization of hematopoietic stem cells; (iv) Mechanobiology and 3D niche modeling; (v) Epigenetic changes in leukemia and cancer-associated fibroblasts; and (vi) Development of epigenetic biomarkers for diagnostics.