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Date: 23 Apr 2024
Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm (followed by networking with lite bites) Ralf JAUCH: "The directed and natural evolution of the molecular toolkit of stem cells" Format: Seminar (in-person; please register) Moderator: Jonathan LOH, IMCB & President SCSS The seminar is followed by networking with light refreshments. |
VENUE:
Matrix Building @Biopolis Level 2M Theatrette (Aspiration) 30 Biopolis St, Singapore 138671 |
Speaker's information
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Ralf JAUCH
Assoc Prof., University of Hong Kong |
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Abstract
Our team uses re-designed versions of SOX, OCT, and KLF transcription factors to reprogram somatic cells into various types of stem cells. The selective partnership between these pioneer transcription factors is critical for their role in the induction and maintenance of stem cells. Mutating key amino acids can drastically boost their functions. For example, re-engineered SOX17 turns into an enhanced 'super-SOX2', termed eSOX17, which speeds up pluripotency induction. In human cells, eSOX17 enables the direct conversion of somatic cells into cells with totipotency features. Two-factor eSOX17/c-MYC cocktails can transdifferentiate human blood into induced brain stem cells, avoiding the rejuvenation associated with pluripotency induction. Inspired by the close partnership between SOX/OCT and the potential of re-engineered variants to program stem cell states, we have begun to study their evolutionary history. Until now, SOX and OCT factors have been believed to be unique to animals. Surprisingly, we discovered that key parts of the molecular toolkit essential for mammalian pluripotency emerged long before the evolution of animal multicellularity and the existence of stem cells as we know them today.
Our team uses re-designed versions of SOX, OCT, and KLF transcription factors to reprogram somatic cells into various types of stem cells. The selective partnership between these pioneer transcription factors is critical for their role in the induction and maintenance of stem cells. Mutating key amino acids can drastically boost their functions. For example, re-engineered SOX17 turns into an enhanced 'super-SOX2', termed eSOX17, which speeds up pluripotency induction. In human cells, eSOX17 enables the direct conversion of somatic cells into cells with totipotency features. Two-factor eSOX17/c-MYC cocktails can transdifferentiate human blood into induced brain stem cells, avoiding the rejuvenation associated with pluripotency induction. Inspired by the close partnership between SOX/OCT and the potential of re-engineered variants to program stem cell states, we have begun to study their evolutionary history. Until now, SOX and OCT factors have been believed to be unique to animals. Surprisingly, we discovered that key parts of the molecular toolkit essential for mammalian pluripotency emerged long before the evolution of animal multicellularity and the existence of stem cells as we know them today.
Bio
Ralf JAUCH is an Associate Professor at the School of Biomedical Sciences/Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong, specializing in protein science and stem cell engineering. He is also a Principal Investigator at the Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology. Ralf completed his undergraduate studies in his hometown Jena, Germany and the University of Manchester, UK. He obtained his PhD degree from the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Göttingen. His career has taken him to various research institutions in Asia, including the Genome Institute of Singapore and later to the Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health where he helped to set up the GIBH – Max Planck Center for Regenerative Medicine. Ralf's research focuses on developing advanced stem cell models to investigate and revert aging and related diseases. Part of this work critically relies on engineered transcription factors. More recently, he became interested in evolutionary stem cell biology.
Ralf JAUCH is an Associate Professor at the School of Biomedical Sciences/Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong, specializing in protein science and stem cell engineering. He is also a Principal Investigator at the Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology. Ralf completed his undergraduate studies in his hometown Jena, Germany and the University of Manchester, UK. He obtained his PhD degree from the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Göttingen. His career has taken him to various research institutions in Asia, including the Genome Institute of Singapore and later to the Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health where he helped to set up the GIBH – Max Planck Center for Regenerative Medicine. Ralf's research focuses on developing advanced stem cell models to investigate and revert aging and related diseases. Part of this work critically relies on engineered transcription factors. More recently, he became interested in evolutionary stem cell biology.