Tursun Lab

Tursun Lab

Gene Regulation and Cell Fate Decision in C. elegans

Understanding mechanisms which safeguard cellular identities is key to improving the reprogramming of differentiated cells.

We use Caenorhabditis elegans as a genetic model organism to systematically study the molecular basis of cell fate maintenance and protection. C. elegans provides genetic tractability and visualization of cell conversions in vivo.

We utilized large-scale genetic screens to identify factors safeguarding cell fates and acting as a barrier for direct conversion of cells to a different identity (Transdifferentiation / Direct Reprogramming). Additionally, we are studying the interconnection of Aging and Cellular Reprogramming.

Our findings could help overcome the limitations of Direct Reprogramming in order to generate the cellular material for prospective tissue replacement therapies.

To learn more about the Tursun Research Group please visit our lab website: Tursunlab.org

 

 

 

Publications

in J Vis Exp

Application of RNAi and heat-shock-induced transcription factor expression to reprogram germ cells to neurons in C. elegans

E. Kolundzic et al.
in Genes Dev

Neuronal inhibition of the autophagy nucleation complex extends life span in post-reproductive C. elegans

T. Wilhelm et al.

PcG proteins in caenorhabditis elegans

B. Tursun
in Nucleic Acids Res

G-quadruplex prediction in E. coli genome reveals a conserved putative G-quadruplex-hairpin-duplex switch

O.I. Kaplan et al.
in eLife

Increasing Notch signaling antagonizes PRC2-mediated silencing to promote reprograming of germ cells into neurons

S. Seelk et al.
in BMC Biol

A tissue-specific protein purification approach in Caenorhabditis elegans identifies novel interaction partners of DLG-1/Discs large

S. Waaijers et al.
in Genes Dev

Two distinct types of neuronal asymmetries are controlled by the Caenorhabditis elegans zinc finger transcription factor die-1

L. Cochella et al.
in PLoS Genet

Active transport and diffusion barriers restrict Joubert Syndrome-associated ARL13B/ARL-13 to an Inv-like ciliary membrane subdomain

S. Cevik et al.
in Biomaterials

ECM modulated early kidney development in embryonic organ culture

D.D. Sebinger et al.
in Cell Rep

Removal of polycomb repressive complex 2 makes C. elegans germ cells susceptible to direct conversion into specific somatic cell types

T. Patel et al.
Dr. Baris Tursun
Dr. Baris Tursun
Group Leader
Contact
Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC)
Robert-Rössle-Str. 10
13092 Berlin, Germany
 
Building 89, Room 0.19a
 
(030) 9406 1730
 
Secretariat
 
Ines Krock
 
Building 89, Room 0.04a
 
(030) 9406 1753
 
 

Research Topics