Molecular Genetics
Prof. Dr. Christoph Englert
Group Leader
Christoph Englert’s Research Group „Molecular Genetics“ focuses on genes regulating organ development and aging.
The Road Map of Aging
Molecular Basis of the Urogenital Development
Many "disease" genes in humans play essential roles in the development of specific organs. Examples are the Wilms' tumor suppressor gene Wt1 that, in its mutated form, causes a pediatric kidney cancer and is indispensable for gonad and kidney development in humans and mice. In order to understand how mutations of this gene cause malformations in humans, we are trying to explore the molecular mechanisms by which the respective gene product exerts its function. For this we are employing biochemistry, cell biology as well as animal models.
Signaling Pathways Regulating Aging and Lifespan in Short-Lived Vertebrates
The identification of vertebrate genes, which control aging is hampered by the lifespan of available animal models. Recently, a species of annual fish with an exceptionally short lifespan was described. This species is named Nothobranchius furzeri and has a maximum life expectancy in captivity of just three months. Meanwhile, using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we are able to switch on and off genes in N. furzeri. We can thereby identify and characterize the genetic programs and biochemical pathways that regulate aging in vertebrates.
Regeneration of Organs
The regenerative capability of human organs differs a lot. While blood cells and skin cells own a high regenerative potential, neurons or kidney cells can regenerate only barely. In contrast, almost all organs of fish and amphibians have a high regenerative potential. We mainly use the zebrafish as animal model to analyze the regeneration processes of caudal fins and kidneys. We are especially interested in understanding how age impacts the regenerative capacity and why the regenerative potential is so different among different species. The ultimate goal is to contribute to increase the regenerative potential e.g. of the human kidney.
Overview
Insights
More About Us
Cooperations
Lab News
FLI expands its capacities with the new "Experimental and Transgenesis Unit Fish"
The new organizational unit "Experimental and Transgenesis Unit" (ETU), with its subunit Fish (ETUF) offers scientists the opportunity to address questions from the molecular to the interorganismal level using genetic modifications, pharmacological, and behavioral tests.
Gene for sex determination in Killifish identified
Researchers at the Leibniz Institute on Aging – Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI) in Jena, in collaboration with international partners, have made a significant breakthrough in killifish research. They identified a gene that determines the male sex in Nothobranchius furzeri. This gene, a Y-chromosomal version of gdf6 (gdf6Y), was described in the study “The master male sex determinant Gdf6Y of the turquoise killifish arose through allelic neofunctionalization”, recently published in the renowned journal Nature Communications. The study's first author is Dr. Annekatrin Richter.
"Without hierarchies, open, transparent"
PD Dr. Andrea Kliewer has fond memories of her participation in the EMBO Lecture Course in Spetses, Greece. The format of the scientific lecture series with lectures, tutorials, discussions, poster presentations and joint dinners creates a unique atmosphere and promotes interaction between all participants.
“It’s the mix”
Dr. Birgit Perner celebrates 25 years of service at the FLI Jena
