Bio

I am devoted to the study of telomeres and telomerase and their role in human diseases. My laboratory is focussed in validating the importace of telomeres for disease by using mouse models. We are also interested in the link of telomere biology with: -stem cells and pluripotent stem cells, including iPS cells - epigenetics. We co-discovered telomeric RNAs or TERRAs as we have dissected the chromatin modifications at mammalian telomeres and how they are essential to regulate telomere length. - genome instability. We study the role of telomeres and telomerase in chromosomal instability. Recently, in collaboration with other groups we found the first mutations of telomere binding proteins in cancer. - delaying aging and finding new treatments for age related diseases by developping a TERT based gene therapy - cancer treatment. We have developped the first drugs to target a component of the shelterin complex.