Project - 1
Epigenetic determinants of genome stability for mammalian tissue
Robert Hänsel-Hertsch
The newly established Research Unit 5504 funded by the German Research Foundation DFG is pursuing a highly innovative program that aims to understand the physiological causes and consequences of genome instability. The ultimate goal of the Research Unit is to understand both how homeostatic processes affect genome stability and how the DDR maintains the physiological integrity of the organism in the face of DNA damage.
To this end, we assembled a team of leading researchers that all focus on in vivo studies of genome stability using animal models. The research unit will bridge the knowledge gap between causes of genome instability such as transcription-blocking lesions, DNA strand breaks, telomere dysfunction, mechanical stress and structural elements such as G-quadruplexes, and the response mechanisms that determine how genome instability affects cellular and organismal homeostasis
Project - 1
Robert Hänsel-Hertsch
Project - 2
Björn Schumacher, Sara Wickström
Project - 3
Björn Schumacher, Siyao Wang
Project - 4
Thorsten Hoppe
Project - 5
Ron Jachimowicz
Project - 6
Stephanie Panier
Project - 7
Jan Hoeijmakers
Project - 8
Thomas Benzing, Bernhard Schermer
Z - 1
David H. Meyer
Seminar Series
Do · 23.05.2024
"Using CRISPR screens to map genetic determinants of radiation response."
Guest: Dr. Graeme Hewitt
IRT Workshop
Mi · 29.05.2024
'Talk less, say more'
Trainer: Max Moenikes
Seminar Series
Do · 13.06.2024
"ADP-ribosylation at the nuclear pore complex"
Speaker: Orsolya Leidecker
Seminar Series
Do · 27.06.2024
"Metabolic deregulation, genome instability, and the progression of chronic kidney disease", (project 8)
Speaker: Bernhard Schermer, Thomas Benzing
Seminar Series
Do · 11.07.2024
"Unravelling the role of RPA4 in genome stability using the naked mole-rat physiology."
Speaker: Maria Sol Jacome Burbano
Seminar Series
Do · 25.07.2024
"tba"
Guest: Dr. Michael Klutstein
Seminar Series
Mi Fr | 25. 27.09.2024
DNA Repair Meeting 2024 (DGDR)
Seminar Series
Do · 10.10.2024
"Mechanism and consequences of SLX4IP- and ERCC1-XPF-dependent telomere dysfunction", (project 6)
Speaker: Francesca Pandolfo, Stephanie Panier
Seminar Series
Do · 23.05.2024
Guest: Dr. Graeme Hewitt, CRUK RadNet Jr Group Leader
IRT Workshop
Mi · 29.05.2024
trainer: Max Moenikes
In the pursuit of gender equality and equal opportunities in science, effective communication plays a pivotal role. This workshop is designed to empower individuals, with a particular focus on promoting and advancing women in science, by enhancing their rhetorical and communicative skills. In academic and professional settings, individuals often encounter speaking engagements ranging from team meetings and conferences to thesis presentations, funding applications, and teaching roles. While these opportunities can be exciting, they may also evoke feelings of stage fright and stress. However, with proper practice and preparation, anyone can confidently navigate these situations. In this seminar, we aim to cultivate essential rhetorical skills in a practical and engaging manner, recognizing the unique challenges faced by women in science. Our primary objective is to foster harmonious interactions among body language, voice, and content, enabling participants to authentically embody their intentions and garner approval from their audience.
The seminar curriculum is structured around the three fundamental pillars of rhetoric:
1) Body Language: Participants will learn to leverage posture, gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact for effective communication, creating a confident and impactful presence
2) Voice: Emphasis will be placed on techniques such as breathing, volume control, intonation and articulation, enabling participants to amplify their voices and convey their messages with clarity
3) Content: Strategies for structuring and planning speeches, as well as mastering argumentation techniques, will be explored, empowering participants to articulate their ideas persuasively
Seminar Series
Do · 13.06.2024
"ADP-ribosylation at the nuclear pore complex", (FOR5504-associated group leader)
Seminar Series
Do · 27.06.2024
"Metabolic deregulation, genome instability, and the progression of chronic kidney disease", (project 8)
Our data suggest that the accumulation of unresolved DNA damage is linked to metabolic changes that may, in a vicious cycle, drive further genome instability, chronic kindey disease (CKD) progression, and kidney fibrosis. This project is expected to further substantiate this link and present potential strategies for future tissue-protective strategies with the ultimate long-term goal to confirm these findings in samples from patients and to develop strategies for future clinical applications.
Seminar Series
Do · 11.07.2024
"Unravelling the role of RPA4 in genome stability using the naked mole-rat physiology.", (FOR5504 - start-up funded postdoc)
The similarities between human replication protein A complex (RPA4) and naked mole rat (NMR) RPA4 (hgRPA) (62% protein identity) make the NMR an intriguing model for investigating aRPA function in vitro and in vivo. The RPA4 single-stranded DNA binding and winged-helix domains are also present in NMR (Ensembl and NCBI). Studying RPA4 in NMR could provide valuable insights into its contribution to genome stability, potentially shedding light on the remarkable healthspan and longevity of this unique rodent species.
Hence, with my independent project I aim to study three major points:
Seminar Series
Do · 25.07.2024
Guest: Dr. Michael Klutstein, The Chromatin and Aging Research Lab (CARL), The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Our lab is interested in understanding the process of epigenetic aging. We are mainly interested in aging in the reproduction system (oocytes and sperm), and the oral immune system. We also investigate the processes which occur in cells due to a changing environment such as occurs with the aging process. We combine genomic tools and various molecular techniques as well as live cell imaging in our studies. We take advantage of several model systems- including cell lines, mice and yeast in our experiments, and also study samples from the clinic to show the clinical relevance of our findings
Seminar Series
Mi Fr | 25. 27.09.2024
Annual Meeting of the DGDR:
DNA Repair Meeting 2024
https://dgdr6.webnode.page/l/annual-dgdr-meeting/
September 25-27 | Cologne, Germany
Registration Deadline 30.6.24
Registration: :https://cms2.vcongress.de/dgdr-2024
Seminar Series
Do · 10.10.2024
"Mechanism and consequences of SLX4IP- and ERCC1-XPF-dependent telomere dysfunction", (project 6)
The objectives of this research proposal are to understand how SLX4IP regulates ERCC1-XPF function to ensure telomere stability and to elucidate the physiological consequences of a dysfunctional SLX4IP-ERCC1-XPF module, particularly with regards to telomere stability, general genome stability and kidney homeostasis.
FOR 5504
Universitätsklinik Köln
CECAD Research Center
Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 26
50931 Köln
Tel. +49 (0)221 478 84198
simon.uszkoreit@uk-koeln.de