Genome Scale Biology Research Program & Department of Medical Genetics
Biomedicum Helsinki
P.O. Box 63 (Haartmaninkatu 8)
FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland

Tel. 358-9-191 25595
Fax 358-9-191 25105

e-mail: lauri.aaltonen -at- helsinki.fi

The research of the group focuses on human tumor susceptibility. Particular focus of interest has been hereditary colorectal cancer, where the group has contributed to several key discoveries; see the link for selected publications. Molecular background events in microsatellite unstable colorectal cancer is one of our long term interests. We have also identified and characterized a novel cancer predisposition syndrome, hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC), and with our collaborators identified the gene behind the condition as fumarase (see publications). More recently we have identified germline mutations in the AIP gene in pituitary adenoma predisposition, published in Science 2006, and subsequently developed molecular tools for diagnosis of the condition. The most recent gene discovery relates to the molecular basis of common colorectal cancer predisposition; we have contributed to identification of the respective genetic loci, as well as to mechanistic studies to unravel the biological basis of such predisposition.

The current focus is in utilizing registry-based approaches to identify unique cancer family materials, for sequencing based analysis and disease gene identification. Finland provides excellent resources for this work, and an effort to systematically utilize the National Cancer Registry (operating since 1953) and Population Registry databases in cancer gene identification is in progress.  We also contribute to characterization of colorectal cancer and uterine leiomyoma genomes by whole genome sequencing. Thus our work ranges from epidemiology and genealogy to molecular work, and meaningful analysis and interpretation of the massive amounts of data derived is a key interest area for us.

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Kari Alitalo
M.D., Ph.D., Academy professor

Molecular Cancer Biology Research Program
Biomedicum Helsinki
University Of Helsinki
P.O.B. 63 (Haartmaninkatu 8)
FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland

Phone: +358-9-191 25511
FAX: +358-9-191 25510

E-mail: Kari.Alitalo -at- Helsinki.FI

home page:
http://research.med.helsinki.fi/cancerbio/alitalo/

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Dennis Bamford
Professor

Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Biosciences
P.O. Box 56 (Viikinkaari 5)
FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland

tel +358-9-191 59100

E-mail: dennis.bamford -at- helsinki.fi

homepage: http:// www.helsinki.fi/virres

We investigate viruses containing protein, nucleic acid and lipid 
constituents that infect prokaryotic (bacterial and archaeal) hosts. 
These viruses are used as model organisms in understanding structure, 
assembly and function of biological macromolecular complexes. These 
studies have also shed light on the evolution and origin of viruses. 
We propose that seemingly unrelated viruses infecting hosts in all 
three domains of life may have a common origin.

Furthermore, we have a keen interest in elucidating the structure and 
function of RNA-dependent RNA polymerases originating from dsRNA 
bacteriophages. Such polymerases, in addition to providing insight 
into the mechanisms of initiation, elongation and termination of the 
polymerization reaction, are valuable tools in biotechnology due to 
their capacity to produce dsRNA of practically unlimited length or 
amount for gene silencing.

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Sarah Butcher
Professor
Academy of Finland Centre of Excellence in Virus Research (2006-2011)
Structural Biology and Biophysics Program

Institute of Biotechnology
P.O.Box 65 (Viikinkaari 1)
FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland

Tel.+358-9-191 59563
Fax +358-9-191 59930

E-mail: sarah.butcher -at- helsinki.fi

Our work aims to understand the structure, assembly and function of
biological macromolecule complexes using cryo-electron microscopy
integrated with other approaches such as X-ray crystallography,
biochemistry and genetics. Our major interests are the structural basis
of virus assembly, replication, host recognition and entry. Currently we
are studying: capsid structure and host cell recognition by
picornaviruses, archaeal and dsRNA viruses. The results may have
implications in the prevention of viral diseases.

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Eeva-Liisa Eskelinen
PhD, University Lecturer

Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Department of Biosciences
P.O.Box 56 (Viikinkaari 9)
FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland

Tel.+358-9-191 59566
Fax +358-9-191 59068

E-mail: eeva-liisa.eskelinen-at-helsinki.fi

Our research concentrates on the lysosomal system in mammalian cells. We have two major interests: the membrane dynamics in mammalian macroautophagy and the functions of lysosomal membrane proteins. Macroautophagy is a pathway were cells deliver cytoplasmic material, including organelles, to lysosomes for degradation. This process provides nutrients during starvation and recycles non-functional organelles and aggregate-prone proteins. In particular I am interested in the biogenesis of autophagosomes, and in the role of the small GTP binding proteins during their maturation. The lysosomal membrane contains a specific set of proteins that were originally thought to serve a mere structural role. However, our findings have revealed that these proteins possess specific functions in vesicular traffic and lipid transport. We are investigating the roles of the lysosomal membrane protein LAMP-2 in autophagy and intracellular cholesterol traffic.

Microscopical techniques are a major tool in our research. I have extensive experience in electron microscopy, including immuno electron microscopy, quantitative electron microscopy, and electron tomography.

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Institute of Biotechnology
Developmental Biology Research Program
P.O.Box 56 (Viikinkaari 9)
FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland

Tel.+358-9-191 59509
Fax +358-9-191 59366

E-mail: mikko.frilander -at- helsinki.fi

home page: http://www.biocenter.helsinki.fi/bi/SPLICING/

Our research focus on regulation of gene expression at the level of RNA
processing. Most of our research concentrates on the U12-dependent
spliceosome, in particularly the assembly and regulation of this
parallel spliceosome. We use various methods in RNA biology and
biochemistry, but various genome-wide methods, in particularly deep
sequencing and bioinformatics will be important for our future research.
Recently we have described an ultraconserved feedback mechanism that is
conserved from humans to plants, which will be one of the key interests
of our future research.

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Metapopulation Research Group
Department of Biosciences
P.O. Box 65 (Viikinkaari 1)
FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland

Tel.+358-9-191 57745
mobile: +358 40 734 2788

E-mail: ilkka.hanski -at- helsinki.fi

home pages: http://www.helsinki.fi/~ihanski
http://www.helsinki.fi/science/metapop

The general aim of this research is to develop the well-studied metapopulation of the Glanville fritillary butterfly into a comprehensive model system for population and evolutionary biology research by developing molecular genetic and genomic tools and approaches. The aim is to integrate genetic and genomic studies with long-term ecological studies, and to address research questions spanning all the way from the molecular level to the organismal level and to natural populations. Because of the scale and the nature of the project, the current and near future efforts are focused on developing tools such as the genome sequence and structure, algorithms and programs for analyses, data bases and pipe-lines and platforms for DNA extraction and SNP genotyping. In 2-3 years time the focus will shift towards the analyses of genetic and genomic data in the relevant population biological context.

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Genome Scale Biology Research Program
& Institute of Biomedicine
Biomedicum Helsinki
P.O. Box 63 (Haartmaninkatu 8)
FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland

Tel.+358-9-191 25419
mobile: +358 40 734 2788

E-mail: sampsa.hautaniemi -at- helsinki.fi

home page: http://www.ltdk.helsinki.fi/sysbio/csb/

We develop and apply computational tools to translate biomedical data into knowledge. With the advance of novel measurement technologies, such as microarrays, quantitative mass spectrometry, deep-sequencing and automated microscopes, computational methods have become a crucial part of bioresearch. Indeed, a typical cancer research project can easily result in more than 100 million data points. Translation of such large amount of data into novel hypotheses and medical benefits require professional bioinformaticians and specialized software tools. Recently we integrated multidimensional molecular (SNP, exon, gene expression, array-CGH and microRNA platforms) and clinical data from 338 subjects having glioblastoma multiforme, one of the deadliest and most poorly understood cancers, and revealed novel glioblastoma multiforme associated genes and genetic loci that have significant survival effect. All methods and software implemented in our group are freely available.

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Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences,
Institute of Biotechnology
P.O.Box 65 (Viikinkaari 1)
FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland

Tel.+358-9-191 59422
Fax +358-9-191 59366
E-mail:yhelariu -at- mappi.helsinki.fi

home page: http://www.biocenter.helsinki.fi/bi/Helariutta/

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Cancer Gene Therapy Group
Molecular Cancer Biology Program & Transplantation Laboratory
Biomedicum Helsinki
P.O.Box 63
FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
(street address: Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki)

Tel: +358-9-191 25464.
Fax: +358-9-191 25465

e-mail: akseli.hemminki -at- helsinki.fi

Home page http://www.hi.helsinki.fi/cgtg

Work in the Cancer Gene Therapy Group focuses on utilization of viruses for gene therapy of cancer and other disease that are currently difficult to treat curatively. Most of the work involves developing and improving oncolytic viruses as anticancer therapeutics. The emphasis is on translating the most promising preclinical approaches into treatments for patients. Immunotherapy and cancer stem cells are also priority areas in CGTG.

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Liisa Holm
PhD, Professor

Institute of Biotechnology & Department of Bioscience
P.O. Box 65 (Viikinkaari 5)
FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland

Tel.+358-9-191 59115
Fax +358-9-191 59366

E-mail: liisa.holm -at- helsinki.fi

home page: http://ekhidna.biocenter.helsinki.fi/

The complete genomic sequence of over a hundred organisms, including several higher eukaryotes, has been determined. We develop and use a wide range of computational tools to make sense of this book of life. The overall goal is to model evolutionary relationships in sequence and structure data and to elucidate their functional correlates. Genome annotation is a particular application.

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Institute of Biomedicine, Anatomy
Biomedicum Helsinki
P.O. Box 63 (Haartmaninkatu 8)
FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland

Tel.+358-9-191 25277
Fax +358-9-191 25261

E-mail: elina.ikonen -at- helsinki.fi

home page: http://www.biomed.helsinki.fi/research/cholesterol

The complete genomic sequence of over a hundred organisms, including several higher eukaryotes, has been determined. We develop and use a wide range of computational tools to make sense of this book of life. The overall goal is to model evolutionary relationships in sequence and structure data and to elucidate their functional correlates. Genome annotation is a particular application.

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Institute of Biotechnology
P.O. Box 56 (Viikinkaari 9)
FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland

Tel.+358-9-191 59352

E-mail: jukka.jernvall -at- helsinki.fi

home page: http://www.biocenter.helsinki.fi/bi/evodevo/index.shtml

The research of the group focuses on using mammalian dentition to link development and evolution. Methodologically we develop various systems biology approaches to link ‘vertically’ several organizational levels. These methods include quantitative developmental biology methods and bioinformatics tools to the problem of how changes in the process of developmental produce small changes in the phenotype. We develop computational models to study the properties of signaling networks and perform in silico predictions that can be tested using experimental studies. All these approaches can and have been applied to different model systems.

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University of Helsinki
P. O. Box 63 (Haartmaninkatu 8)
FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland

Tel. +358-9-191 25040
GSM +358-50-554 4610
Fax. +358-9-191 25047

E-mail: olli.janne -at- helsinki.fi

home page: http://www.helsinki.fi/science/arlab/

High androgen receptor (AR) level in primary tumor predicts increased prostate cancer-specific mortality, but the mechanisms that regulate AR function in prostate cancer are poorly known. We address various aspects of AR signaling in prostate cancer cells by using genome-wide approaches. In particular, we characterize the importance of other DNA-binding transcription factors for localization of AR-binding sites on chromatin and androgen-dependent transcription programs. In addition, we address genome-wide cross-talk between AR and other nuclear receptors, such as the glucocorticoid and vitamin D receptors. The results are anticipated to offer new opportunities for therapeutic intervention in prostate cancer.

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Irma Järvelä
M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Molecular Genetics

Department of Medical Genetics
Biomedicum Helsinki
University Of Helsinki
P.O.B. 63 (Haartmaninkatu 8)
FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland

Tel. +358-50 544 7030

Email: irma.jarvela -at- helsinki.fi

The major goal of our interdiscplinary research project is to promote innovation and cooperation between art and science. We aim to understand the biological underpinnings of music in human behavior by utilizing the modern methods of molecular and statistical genetics and bioinformatics to identify molecules associated with music perception and practice. The strengths of the study are the unique Finnish family resource and details about their musical aptitude and life-time practices in music.  

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Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences & Neuroscience Center
P.O.Box 65 (Viikinkaari 1)
FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland

Tel.+358-9-191 59860
Fax +358-9-191 59810

E-mail: kai.kaila -at- helsinki.fi  

home page: http://www.helsinki.fi/neurobiology/

Our research has focused on the role of ion-regulatory proteins in the control of neuronal excitability at the molecular, single-cell, network and in vivo levels. Our recent findings include the following:
The neuronal chloride extruder KCC2, a key molecule in GABAergic inhibition and dendritic spine formation, is upregulated following neonatal seizures, which is opposite to seizure effects in the mature brain. Our data point to striking age-dependent differences in molecular mechanisms controlling the trafficking and functionality of KCC2.  

The neuronal carbonic anhydrase isoform 7 (CA7) has turned out to be a key molecule in seizure generation and a putative anticonvulsant drug target. We have previously shown that experimental febrile seizures (FS) are caused by respiratory alkalosis. Consistent with this, FS cannot be evoked in a novel CA7 KO mouse.

In a novel rodent model of birth asphyxia, in vivo pH recordings have revealed a prolonged post-asphyxic rise in both intra- and extracellular brain pH. The birth-asphyxia seizures can be suppressed by preventing the alkalosis. A retrospective clinical study on post-asphyxic babies is in progress.

We have shown that 5% CO2 is a potent anticonvulsant in adult animal models and human epilepsy patients, with potential for clinical use.

Our novel EEG techniques permit long-term monitoring of full-band EEG (Fb-EEG) activity in the neonatal intensive care unit, enabling a comparison of animal models and human neonates.

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Jaakko Kangasjärvi
PhD, Professor of Plant Biology

Division of Plant Biology, Department of Biosciences
Viikki Biocenter
P.O.Box 65 (Viikinkaari 1)
FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland

Tel.+358-9-191 59444
Fax +358-9-191 59552

E-mail:
jaakko.kangasjarvi -at- helsinki.fi

home page:
http://www.helsinki.fi/biosci/plantstress/research

Our work combines plant physiology with genetics and molecular biology and concentrates on finding out how plants sense and transmit stress signals at the cellular level.
The primary focus is on understanding the signaling networks involving reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide, superoxide, singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radical. ROS are produced by plant cells in a variety of situations: An active burst of ROS production is a common link between nearly all biotic and abiotic stresses including ozone and pathogens but ROS also play important roles during development. Previously thought to be merely damaging agents, ROS are now understood for their roles as signaling molecules.
We utilize a variety of genetic strategies with the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. We use forward genetics screens as a strategy to dissect ROS signalling pathways at the genetic level. To this end, we have isolated a collection of ROS sensitive mutants. This has resulted in the isolation and cloning of novel regulators of ozone, ROS, and stomatal responses.

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Professor of Molecular Genetics
Department of Medical Genetics,
University of Helsinki and

Department of biosciences and Nutrition,
Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm

Email: juha.kere -at- biosci.ki.se,
juha.kere -at- helsinki.fi

home pages: http://www.ktl.fi/diseasegenetics/Group_Kere
_Eng.htm http://research.med.helsinki.fi/molmed/Groups/
Kere/kere_main.htm

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Pekka Lappalainen
Ph.D.
Professor , research director

Institute of Biotechnology
P.O. Box 56 (Viikinkaari 9)
FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland

Tel. 358-9-191 59499
Fax 358-9-191 59366

e-mail: pekka.lappalainen -at- helsinki.fi

home page: http://www.biocenter.helsinki.fi/bi/lappalainen/

Coordinated polymerization of actin filaments against cellular membranes provides force for a number of biological processes, including cell morphogenesis, motility, endocytosis, and phagocytosis. In addition, actin filaments together with myosin filaments form contractile structures in muscle and non-muscle cells. Recent studies have revealed that abnormalities in actin-dependent processes, including cell motility and cytokinesis, often occur in cancer cells, and that many pathogens exploit the actin polymerization machinery of the host cell during the infection process. Thus, elucidating the mechanisms of actin dynamics will also be valuable for understanding these actin-dependent pathological states.

Our laboratory uses a wide range of biochemical, cell biological, and genetic methods to reveal how the structure and dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton are regulated during various cellular and developmental processes. We also aim to elucidate how membrane phospholipids regulate actin dynamics, and how the I-BAR domain family proteins deform PI(4,5)P2-rich membranes to coordinate actin and plasma membrane dynamics during cell motility and morphogenesis.

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Hannes Lohi
PhD, Professor in Veterinary Molecular Genetics, Director of the Program for Molecular Medicine

Biomedicum 1, Room C323b
P.O.Box 63 (Haartmaninkatu 8)
FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland

phone +358-9-191 25085
fax +358-9-191 25073

Email: hannes.lohi -at- helsinki.fi  

Homepage:
http://www.koirangeenit.fi

My research focuses on the canine models of human complex diseases. This novel approach takes advantage of an experiment initiated by man 15,000 years ago, taming of the wolf and, more recently, generating 400 strictly inbred pure dog breeds.  Canine purebreeding has resulted in highly uniform genomes within each breed, in which the “noise” of background genetic variation is reduced making it easier to detect genetic “signals” that contribute to disease.  As a result 10 to 100-fold fewer individuals are needed in canine studies than in human studies to map genes for the same polygenic trait. That information alone would not be very helpful without the fact that several of the essential components of morphological, behavioral and disease phenotypes can be found and measured in dogs. Dogs develop biologically analogous, if not homologous in some cases, conditions to human disorders including idiopathic epilepsies, ataxias, various anxieties such as fears/phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eye disorders and many developmental problems which are all actively being investigated in my laboratory.

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Director, Professor
Co-Director, Genome-Scale Biology Program
P.O.Box 56, Institute of Biotechnology
FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland

Tel.+358-9-191 59359
Fax +358-9-191 59366

E-mail:tomi.makela -at- helsinki.fi
 

Signaling in pathways and in larger networks typically involves sequential activation of kinases phosphorylating substrates and thus relaying and amplifying signals, which ultimately modulate transcriptional responses in target gene sets. Our longstanding interest is to characterize such pathways and to understand the mechanisms involved in mediating the transcriptional responses and how these are deregulated in human cancer - with a current focus on LKB1 and CDK7 kinases implicated in cancer and aging.

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Molecular Neurology Research Program & Children’s Hospital
Biomedicum Helsinki
P.O.Box 63 (Haartmaninkatu 8)
FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland

Tel. 358-9-191 25692

e-mail: timo.otonkoski -at- helsinki.fi

The group focuses on human pluripotent stem cells. One major aim is to develop approaches for disease modelling based on induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology. The group has shown that current methods of nuclear reprorramming are associated with frequent DNA copy number changes (published in Nature, 2011). Research associated with the human iPS cell Core Facility aims at more efficient methods of reprogramming, while allowing the maintenance of genetic integrity. The group specializes on endodermal differentiation of the stem cells. Major focus is on pancreatic endocrine cells, while also other endodermal lineages, such as hepatocyte and gut specification are studied. The group collaborates with many clinical investigators, aiming to reveal disease mechanisms through stem cell differentiation.

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Department of Medical Genetics, Haartman Institute
P. O. Box 63 (Haartmaninkatu 8)
FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland

Tel. +358-9-191 25092
FAX +358-9-191 25105

E-mail: paivi.peltomaki -at- helsinki.fi

Home page: http://www.helsinki.fi/haartman/lgo

We focus on the interplay between genetic and epigenetic factors in familial and sporadic forms of common human cancers. Somatic inactivation of tumor suppressor genes frequently occurs by promoter methylation and in familial cancers follows tissue-specific patterns similar to sporadic cancers. Analysis of serial specimens of histologically normal tissue, premalignant lesions, and cancer for promoter methylation shows patterns that can be used to predict malignant transformation. Supported by the European Research Council, studies are in progress to dissect the critical steps in colorectal tumorigenesis taking advantage of human and mouse models. Occasionally, promoter methylation underlies constitutional silencing of tumor suppressor genes (e.g., the DNA mismatch repair gene MLH1), which predisposes the affected individuals to early-onset colorectal and endometrial cancer. A majority of familial colorectal and endometrial cancers still remain without a known predisposition, and studies are underway to identify the predisposing defects, genetic or epigenetic, in such families.

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Centre of Excellence in Molecular and Integrated Neuroscience Research

Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience

Institute of Biotechnology
P.O.Box 56 (Viikinkaari 9)
FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland

Tel.+358-9-191 59378
Fax +358-9-191 59366

E-mail: mart.saarma -at- helsinki.fi

home page: http://www.biocenter.helsinki.fi/bi/saarma/

The group is investigating signaling, biology and therapeutic potential of the new neurotrophic factor CDNF that they discovered. Main focus is to find the receptor for CDNF, elucidate its mode of action and develop CDNF-based drug for the treatment of PD. The group is also investigating signaling and biology of GDNF family ligands. They discovered a novel receptor for GDNF and developed GDNF and its receptor GFRa1 conditional knockout mice.

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Academy Professor
Director, High Throughput Center
Genome-Scale Biology Program
Institute of Biomedicine, University of Helsinki
Department of Molecular Medicine
National Public Health Institute (KTL)
Biomedicum, Rm B526b
P.O. Box 63 (Haartmaninkatu 8)
FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland

p. +358-9-191 25556
fax +358-9-191 25554

Email: Jussi.Taipale -at- Helsinki.Fi

home page: http://research.med.helsinki.fi/gsb/taipale

Cancer is a multigenic disease which can be caused by mutations in > 300 genes. These mutations cause cancer cells to escape from the mechanisms normally regulating proliferation and differentiation. Despite this genetic heterogeneity, all cancers share common phenotypes (e.g. uncontrolled cell division). To understand cancer, we must identify both the genes causing cancer and the genes controlling the common phenotypes, and subsequently understand how the cancer genes control the activity of the cell cycle genes.

For this purpose, we have in collaboration with Kimmo Palin and Esko Ukkonen (UH Dept. of Computer Science) developed computational methods which can identify genes whose expression is controlled by transcription factors linked to cancer. These computational methods allow determination of expression patterns of genes from genomic sequences. We are currently in the process of developing this technology further to predict which variations of sequence (e.g. SNPs) between individuals result in changes in gene expression, and are therefore more likely to cause disease states, including cancer.

To determine which of the predicted target genes affect cell proliferation, we are combining the computational analyses with experimental results from genome-wide RNA-interference analyses identifying genes regulating cell proliferation and cell size. We are currently extending these studies to systematically analyze the genetic and biochemical interactions between the identified genes and proteins.

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Irma Thesleff
DDS, PhD
Professor, Research Director

Research Program in Developmental Biology
Institute of Biotechnology
P.O.Box 56 (Viikinkaari 9)
FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland

Tel.+358-9-191 59401
Fax +358-9-191 59366
E-mail: irma.thesleff -at- helsinki.fi

home page: http://www.biocenter.helsinki.fi/bi/thesleff/

We explore the mechanisms that regulate the formation of ectodermal organs, including teeth, hairs and glands. We focus on signalling networks mediating intercellular communication, and examine how they regulate the patterns, numbers, sizes, and shapes of organs. We use mouse models and organ culture techniques to analyse the functions of conserved signal pathways including FGF, TGF, Hedgehog, Wnt and Ectodysplasin (Eda). Some of the mice are models for human syndromes such as ectodermal dysplasias and tooth agenesis. Our particular interest is the formation of placodes initiating the development of all ectodermal appendages. We have shown that Wnt signal activation in the ectoderm induces the formation of extra placodes resulting in continuous tooth formation, and extra whiskers and hairs. Several mouse models are currently used to examine the modulation of Wnt signaling and the integration of Wnt, Eda and the other conserved pathways. We are also focusing increasingly in the mechanisms of tooth regeneration and continue studies on epithelial stem cell regulation in a stem cell niche which we discovered in teeth.  The results may have clinical implications in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of congenital defects as well as in the design of regenerative therapies.

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Sigrid Juselius Professor of Clinical Molecular Medicine
Research Program of Molecular Neurology
r. c523B P.O.Box 63 (Haartmaninkatu 8)
FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland

Tel. +358 9 471 71965
Fax +358 9 471 71964
E-mail anu.wartiovaara -at- helsinki.fi  

Home page: http://research.med.helsinki.fi/neuro/
Wartiovaara/default.htm

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Professor, Research Director
Institute of Biotechnology
Structural Biology and Biophysics Research Program
PO Box 65 (Viikinkaari 1)
FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland

Tel. +358-9-191 58000
Fax +358-9-191 58001
E-mail: marten.wikstrom -at- helsinki.fi

home page: http://www.biocenter.helsinki.fi/bi/hbg/wikstrom/wikstrom_home.html

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