Epigenetics

The rapidly developing field of epitranscriptomics represents a conceptual extension of epigenetics that focuses on chemical modifications of RNA molecules and their roles in modulating gene expression at the level of RNA stability and/or protein translation. Our previous work focused on the DNMT2 tRNA methyltransferase and uncovered how RNA modifications can result in genome recoding. More recently, we have focused on the role of the microbial micronutrient queuine (Q) in translational control. More recently, we have shifted our focus to mRNA adenine methylation, a modification that is more closely connected to tumor formation. In this context, we have characterized the role of individual proteins associated with this modification in bladder cancer formation and progression. More recently, we have started to use novel methods for single-base resolution mapping of tumor mRNA methylomes to fully understand cancer-related changes in mRNA adenine methylation.

We have a longstanding interest in analyzing environmentally induced epigenetic changes. One key example is our research on human skin aging, where we have developed and applied epigenetic clocks to measure biological age. Together with industry partners, we developed a novel scientific concept that aims to leverage our knowledge about epigenetic clocks into the identification of novel rejuvenating compounds that can be used for anti-aging applications. As age represents the most important risk factor for tumor formation, this concept is also highly relevant for cancer prevention. We have also identified and characterized environmental DNA methylation signatures in a variety of animal livestock, as these are often characterized by more homogeneous genomes and provide unique opportunities for environmental tracing. Finally, we established the marbled crayfish, a parthenogenetically reproducing (clonal) freshwater crayfish as an intriguing model system to investigate clonal genome evolution and epigenetic adaptation, two processes that are highly relevant for understanding tumor development. Interestingly, our work with marbled crayfish also revealed that these animals have exciting and potentially transformative potential as novel aquaculture livestock, which is developed through our spin-off company Merall Bioproducts.