Cell biology revolves around a crucial concept: cells require nutrients for their survival, just as our bodies rely on nutrition (food) to support proper tissue and overall organismal functions. This essential process of nutrient acquisition is primarily orchestrated by the intestine, serving as the central hub for nutrient sensing and absorption within the body.
In our laboratory, we delve into the intricate mechanisms employed by intestinal cells to secure the vital nutrients and metabolic resources essential for preserving intestinal stem cell fate and function. And, how these mechanisms can be exploited or disrupted in diseases such as cancer.
Our focus areas are:
Addressing these questions is integral to gaining key insights into how environmental factors, such as nutrition, exert control over health outcomes. This research avenue holds significant public health relevance and has the potential to offer valuable contributions to our understanding of disease processes and their management.
Arafath Kaja Najumudeen
Academy Research Fellow
Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE
Biocenter 2
P.O.Box 56 (Viikinkaari 5)
00014 University of Helsinki
E-mail: arafath.najumudeen@helsinki.fi
Arafath is a Principal Investigator/Academy Research Fellow at BI and a Group Leader in FIMM Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland.