Propagating cellular memory at rough times

Dr. Aydan Bulut-Karslioglu

September 28, 2022

Embryonic development relies on coordinated stem cell function on balance with differentiation. Our lab focuses on mechanisms regulating stem cell state transitions and fate commitment. Specifically, we study how cells communicate signals from their surroundings to the gene expression machinery, especially in the context of cell fate decisions in development. By combining the latest functional perturbation methods in stem cells and the early mouse embryo with omics, imaging, and biochemistry, we aim to reveal how genetic networks are adjusted to the growth status of the embryo and how memory of cellular identity is propagated during periods of dormancy.

For our most recent papers, see:

* Hypoxia induces an early primitive streak signature, enhancing spontaneous elongation and lineage representation in gastruloids.
López-Anguita N, Gassaloglu SI, Stötzel M, Bolondi A, Conkar D, Typou M, Buschow R, Veenvliet JV, Bulut-Karslioglu A.
Development. 2022 Oct 15;149(20):dev200679. doi: 10.1242/dev.200679. Epub 2022 Sep 14. PMID: 36102628

* Metabolic Enhancement of Mammalian Developmental Pausing.
Weijden VA van der, Stoetzel M, Fauler B, Iyer DP, Shahraz M, Meierhofer D, Rulands S, Alexandrov T, Mielke T, Bulut-Karslioglu A.
BiorXiv 2022

* The Transcriptionally Permissive Chromatin State of Embryonic Stem Cells Is Acutely Tuned to Translational Output.
Bulut-Karslioglu A, Macrae TA, Oses-Prieto JA, Covarrubias S, Percharde M, Ku G, Diaz A, McManus MT, Burlingame AL, Ramalho-Santos M.
Cell Stem Cell. 2018 Mar 1;22(3):369-383.e8. doi: 10.1016/j.stem.2018.02.004. PMID: 29499153

* Inhibition of mTOR induces a paused pluripotent state.
Bulut-Karslioglu A, Biechele S, Jin H, Macrae TA, Hejna M, Gertsenstein M, Song JS, Ramalho-Santos M.
Nature. 2016 Dec 1;540(7631):119-123. doi: 10.1038/nature20578. Epub 2016 Nov 23. PMID: 27880763

We are looking for a mainly experimental PhD student to join our lab in October-November 2023. Computational knowledge is a plus but not a must. We offer cutting-edge methods and access to bioinformatics training to address some of the key questions at the heart of cellular identity. Several projects are available and will be discussed based on matching interest and profile.

For more information visit the website of the Bulut-Karslioglu lab (Stem Cell Chromatin Group).

Aydan