Research Areas 

Gut-liver axis

We are investigating the bidirectional crosstalk between the liver and the intestine, focusing on the role of resident microbiota. We explore how shifts in bacterial composition and changes in intestinal physiology affect liver cells and how liver health contributes to the homeostasis in the gut.

Microbiota-derived metabolites

We are exploring the role of microbiota-derived metabolites in the host physiology. We focus on the molecular mechanisms by which metabolites affect cellular functions.

Chronic inflammation

We are interested in the mechanisms underlying chronic inflammatory processes accompanying organ fibrosis, metabolic syndrome and autoimmune disorders. Particularly, we are focusing on the role of stromal cells and their interactions.

Key Approaches

Multi-omics

We are developing and adopting sequencing-based methods to comprehensively study host cellular phenotypes and microbiota states (single-cell RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, metagenomics). We complement and integrate these data with metabolomics to generate comprehensive multimodal characterisation.

Genetic screening

To identify molecular mechanisms underlying interactions between the host and the microbiota, we are establishing in vitro high-throughput screening methods in cell lines and organoids.

Data mining

We use and develop advanced bioinformatics approaches to generate insights and predictions from our multi-omic data. Moreover, in the spirit of ‘data parasitism’ we are integrating and reusing underutilised published datasets to generate novel discoveries.  

Visit the laboratory website for more details: olab.com.pl 

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Aleksandra Kołodziejczyk, PhD

Correspondence address:
Laboratory of Cellular Genomics
International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw
4 Ks. Trojdena Street, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
www: olab.com.pl
Email:  
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DEGREES

2017 – PhD in Biological Sciences, Trinity College, University of Cambridge,UK
2011 – MSc in Molecular Biosciences, major Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Heidelberg, Germany
2009 – BSc in Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Italy

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2023-present – Head of Laboratory of Cellular Genomics, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Poland
2017-2023 – Postdoctoral research with Prof. Eran Elinav at Department of Systems Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel
2012-2016 – Doctoral research with Dr. Sarah Teichmann at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and EMBL European Bioinformatics Institute, UK
2011-2012 – Master thesis research with Prof. Victor Sourjik at ZMBH, University of Heidelberg, Germany
2010 – iGEM Heidelberg team project member, University of Heidelberg, Germany
2009 – BSc thesis research with Prof. Matthias Wilmans, EMBL Hamburg, Germany
2008 – Summer internship with Prof. Sir Alan Fersht, MRC LMB, Cambridge, UK
2007 – Summer internship with Prof. Fred van Leuven, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium

HONORS, PRIZES AND AWARDS

2021 - Weizmann Institute of Science award for outstanding achievements in postdoctoral research
2017 - Weizmann Institute of Science Innovative Students’ Award
2017 – Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions Individual Fellowship
2016 - EMBO Long Term Fellowship
2013 - Rouse Ball Research Fund Grant
2010 - German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Stipend
2009 - EMBL Trainee Fellowship
2009 - Mayor of Tczew Award for Talented Students
2008 - MRC LMB Summer Studentship 2008 - ERASMUS Scholarship
2007 - Regione Umbria fellowship “Expert in biomaterials” 

Group Leader
Aleksandra Kołodziejczyk, PhD

Postdoctoral researchers:
Krzysztof Szczepaniak, PhD 
Aneta Grymanowska, PhD 

PhD Students
Joanna Słota 
Aleksandra Uryga 
Konstacja Gałat 
Anna Węgrzycka 
Natalia Rzepka 

Undergraduate Students:
Zofia Link 
Joanna Siatecka 

Laboratory Support Specialist:
Karolina Komorowska

Research Coordinators:
Martyna Wysokińska
Anna Majerowicz