Maria Genander

Maria Genander

Principal Researcher
Visiting address: Solnavägen 9, 17165 Stockholm
Postal address: C5 Cell- och molekylärbiologi, C5 CMB Genander, 171 77 Stockholm
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About me

  • We are also found here: https://ki.se/en/cmb/maria-genanders-group

Research

  • 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. *Current Projects* 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. *Current Lab Members* Evelien Eenjes, Post Doc Wei Yang, Post Doc Vera Shirokova, Post Doc Kim Vikhe Patil, PhD student David Grommisch, PhD student Kylie Hin-Man Mak, PhD student *Interested in joining the lab?* We are looking for highly motivated PhD or postdoctoral candidates who are experienced in, or interested in mastering, bioinformatics. Contact me directly if you are interested in joining the lab!

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Employments

  • Principal Researcher, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 2022-

Degrees and Education

  • Degree Of Doctor Of Philosophy, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 2009

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