Transcriptional Regulation

Topic of interest

Christian Kosan and his team are investigating molecular mechanisms that regulate the development and functionality of the hematopoietic system. Hematopoiesis is the stepwise differentiation of haematopoietic system lines from pluripotent haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). The cells differentiate into different cell types, such as immune cells or erythrocytes (red blood cells) and thus gradually lose their stem cell properties. These processes are mainly regulated by the interaction of signal molecules (cytokines) and the exact expression of transcription factors. This leads to dynamic but also permanent epigenetic changes. The respective cell types exhibit characteristic epigenetic patterns that are typical for their specification. For example, the immune system can react specifically to environmental influences such as infections, but loses its functionality with age, which can lead to diseases of the haematopoietic system.