Molecular Genetics:
The Road Map of Aging

Christoph Englert’s Research Group „Molecular Genetics“ lays its research focus on genes regulating organ development and aging.

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.

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.

Notho Project

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.