We study epigenetics, i.e. nucleic acid and histone modifications that control cell fate change and maintenance. Our methods range from various flavors of high-throughput sequencing to classical biochemistry and structural biology. We also rely increasingly on “big data”. Our work has implications in oncology, particularly for hematologic malignancies that have a strong epigenetic component.
Research Summary
Our work is focused on chromatin modifications, and on their role in maintaining and changing cell fate. Most of our projects revolve around DNA modifications, particularly DNA maintenance methylation at the replisome, and its reversal by active and active- passive DNA demethylation. We study the links between "epigenetic" and "repair" enzymes, as well as the recruitment and adaptation of DNA repair processes to epigenetic reprogramming. We are also interested in the contributions of histone modifications to cell fate maintenance and change. Specifically, we are investigating COMPASS- like complexes - the mediators of positive genetic memory.
Scientific Impact
- We have contributed to a better understanding of TET dioxygenases that are the drivers of active and active-passive DNA demethylation.
- We have helped to elucidate the feedback loop that implements positive genetic memory.
- We have discovered and classified a number of reader domains for nucleic acid modifications.
- We have elucidated a chemically novel nucleic acid modification pathway.
Future Goals
In the future, we plan to extend our chromatin studies, taking into account preventive epigenome maintenance by nucleotide pool control. We want to focus on "epigenome repair" mechanisms that counteract gradual epigenome degradation with age and in disease. Furthermore, we want to better understand how the loss of enzymes with antagonistic roles (DNMT3A, TET2) can have similar, malignancy-promoting effects in cancers with a strong epigenetic component.
Collaborations
Our collaborators come from both academia (e.g. G. Xu, J. Wong, T. Jurkowski, T. Hore, C. Winata, W. Bickmore, A. Wlodawer) and the biotech industry (S. Xu, P. Weigele). Thanks to this strong circle of partners, we have extended our research methods spectrum and we can now ask questions at very different levels, ranging from atomistic to animal studies.
Comment
"With minor exceptions, all cells in our body carry the same genetic information and yet they are very different. Much of the difference is epigenetically encoded in the form of DNA and histone modifications. We combine genetics, biochemistry and structural biology to study the maintenance and remodeling of the epigenetic layer of our genomes", says Prof. Matthias Bochtler.
The lab works on epigenetic marks on DNA and histones and their effects on cell fate maintenance and change. The picture is an “artistic” representation of the theme of the lab, prepared using generative artificial intelligence.
This group has 107 publications and preprints.
Browse publications →
Lab Leader:
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Matthias Bochtler, PhD, Professor
Senior Researcher:
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Honorata Czapińska, PhD, DSc Habil
PhD Students:
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Anna Fedenko, Msc
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Terry Karimi, MSc
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Natalia Leśniowska, MSc
Lab Technician:
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Julia Kędzierska, MSc
Laboratory Support Specialist:
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Katarzyna J. Gromkowska, PhD
Contact:
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Matthias Bochtler, PhD, ProfessorCorrespondence address: |
DEGREES
2009 - Professor of Biological Sciences, nomination by the President of the Republic of Poland
2006 - DSc Habil, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
1999 - PhD in Biochemistry, Technical University of Munich, Germany
1995 - MSc in Experimental Physics, Munich University, Germany
PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT
2011-present - Professor, Head of Laboratory of Structural in Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Poland, and Laboratory of Genome Engineering, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences,Warsaw, Poland
2007-2011 - Part-time Director of Structural Biology, Cardiff University, United Kingdom
2001-2010 - Head, Joint MPG-PAS Junior Research Group, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Poland
2000 - Patent training, Weickmann & Weickmann
1999-2000 - Postdoctoral Fellow, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
RESEARCH TRAINING
1996-1999 - Research Assistant, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
1995-1996 - Internship, Medical Microbiology, University of Regensburg, Germany
1992-1993 - Guest Student, Cambridge University, United Kingdom
1990-1992 - Studies in Physics, Munich University, Germany
HONORS, PRIZES AND AWARDS
2023 - Minister of Education and Science Award for significant achievements in scientific activities
2023 - Włodzimierz Krzyżosiak Distinction awarded by the Polish Academy of Sciences
2018 - TEAM Foundation for Polish Science
2018 - International Academic Partnerships Programme, Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange
2018 - DAINA, National Science Centre
2015 - HARMONIA, National Science Centre
2012 - MAESTRO, National Science Centre
2011 - TEAM, Foundation for Polish Science Professor Stefan Pieńkowski Award
2004 - EMBO/HHMI Young Investigator Award
2000 - Crystal Award, Germany
1998 - Crystal Award Germany
1990 – 1992 - Scholarship from Deutsche Studienstiftung and Bavarian State
DOCTORATES DEFENDED UNDER LAB LEADER’S SUPERVISION
R. Filipek, M. Firczuk, M. Lipka, R. Szczepanowski, M. Kaus-Drobek, M. Sokołowska, G. Chojnowski, H. Korza, M. Wojciechowski, W. Siwek, P. Haniewicz, A.A. Kazrani, K. Mierzejewska.
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