Hubrecht Institute, Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research

Jop Kind has been awarded a grant from KWF Kankerbestrijding to develop a highly sensitive method for detecting cancer using epigenetic signatures in blood plasma. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize early cancer diagnosis and monitoring. Find out more at https://lnkd.in/eJFHFD6c #cancer #diagnosis #epigenetics Oncode Institute

Register for the first-ever Hubrecht Symposium - March 13th, 2025 This event celebrates the importance of basic research in advancing Dutch science, with a focus on molecular and developmental biology. Each year, the symposium will focus on a specific theme, bringing together researchers for an inspiring day of discovery, collaboration, and networking. This year’s theme: Developmental Biology – Morphogenesis and cell fate decisions. The program features an interesting line-up of keynote and invited speakers. There will also be plenty of opportunity to connect with peers and share your own work. We’re looking forward to welcoming the molecular and developmental biology community to Utrecht. Free of charge – no registration fees! Abstract submission deadline: February 13th, 2025. Register now: https://lnkd.in/eiD35cb9

How a unique mouse sheds light on the Notch signaling pathway Congratulations to now dr. Yasmine el Azhar, who successfully defended her thesis: ‘Notch signalling dynamics during mouse development and homeostasis’. In our bodies, complex signaling pathways guide the development and behavior of cells. One of the most critical systems is the Notch signaling pathway, which helps cells decide whether to divide, specialize, or be removed. In the Sonnen group, Yasmine el Azhar explored this pathway and developed a unique mouse model to better understand Notch signalling dynamics. This Hes1-Achilles mouse model enabled real-time single cell visualization of Hes1 oscillations in live tissues. Understanding how Notch signalling regulates cell fate may lead to insights that could advance treatments for diseases such as cancer and developmental disorders. #NotchPathway #CellBiology #PhDJourney #WomenInSTEM Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e32UcJTH

Researchers from the organoid group have created a new organoid that mimics the human fetal pancreas. An organoid is like a tiny organ, grown in the lab, that scientist can use to figure out how our organs work and get sick. Unlike previous models, this organoid recreates all three key cell types of the pancreas, providing a clearer picture of how the pancreas develops in its early stages. The team also identified the stem cell responsible for forming these cell types! Published in Cell, this discovery brings us closer to understanding the pancreas and could inspire new treatments for pancreatic diseases in the future. Amanda Andersson Rolf Roche Oncode Institute Prinses Máxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie Universiteit Utrecht Curious to read more? https://lnkd.in/etJ_zWG7 #organoids #development #stemcells #pancreas #research

How do cells repair damaged DNA? 🧬 New research from the Kind Group, published in Nature Communications, maps DNA repair at the single-cell level for the first time. The study shows that repair proteins gather in 'hubs,' where they efficiently coordinate the repair of multiple DNA breaks—similar to how people might collaborate in a repair café. These findings advance our understanding of cellular repair mechanisms and pave the way for more precise cancer therapies and treatments for genetic disorders. Oncode Institute Kim de Luca, Jop Kind #DNARepair #SingleCell #Epigenetics Follow the link to learn more about this study: https://lnkd.in/eP6p4PXk

Did you know that the way DNA is packaged inside cells can directly affect how quickly DNA itself is copied? Researchers from the Mattiroli group found that when this packaging, called chromatin, is damaged, it sends a signal through an unusual pathway. This signal slows down how quickly cells can divide and grow. In the future, these findings could help scientists discover new approaches and treatments for diseases like cancer. #chromatinregulation #chromatinresearch #DNAreplication Oncode Institute Giulia Ricci Jeroen van den Berg Jan Dreyer Read more here 👇 https://lnkd.in/er93uwH4

Our position for tenure-track principal investigator is still open! The Hubrecht Institute is seeking a junior group leader to join our mission: a better world through research into the fundamental processes of living cells, tissues and organisms. The deadline is 15 November 2024 - apply soon to drive your own curiosity-led research in a collaborative and cutting-edge environment. Our Institute thrives on synergy between innovative research lines, supported by dedicated teams and world-class facilities. We offer transparent tenure evaluation, robust career development pathways, and a strong commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and diversity. Ready to lead innovative research at the Hubrecht Institute? Apply here! https://lnkd.in/eqzZvWi5 #Vacancy #Molecular #Developmental #Biology #Tenure

Researchers from the Organoid group have developed a new organoid model to study the origin of colorectal cancer. The researchers used the colon organoids to study the sequential accumulation of mutations contributing to tumor formation. The research, published in Nature Cancer on November 1st, could increase understanding of the early steps of colorectal cancer development. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eMfAEruV Tomohiro Mizutani, Matteo Boretto, Prinses Máxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie *** Onderzoekers van de Organoid groep hebben een nieuw organoïdemodel ontwikkeld om het ontstaan van darmkanker te bestuderen. De onderzoekers gebruikten de darm-organoïden om de opeenstapeling van mutaties te bestuderen die bijdragen aan tumorvorming. Het onderzoek, gepubliceerd in Nature Cancer op 1 november, kan meer inzicht bieden in de vroege stappen van de ontwikkeling van darmkanker. Lees hier meer: https://lnkd.in/eFQ_9pEV

How do cells copy the instructions on how to read their DNA? Francesca Mattiroli, group leader here at the Hubrecht institute, receives a Vidi grant from the Dutch Research Council (NWO). With this funding, she and her team will investigate how DNA and its packaging are duplicated during cell division. Identifying new mechanisms could in the future be targeted for fighting diseases and aging. Congratulations Francesca! Read more below 👇 #chromatinresearch #DNAreplication #chromatin #Vidigrant https://lnkd.in/eRSJjU9V

🌟 Gut instincts: Intestinal nutrient sensors 🌟 A team of researchers, led by the Hubrecht Institute and Roche’s Institute of Human Biology, has used intestinal organoids to identify key regulators of hormone secretion in the gut. The release of such hormones is triggered by food intake and plays a crucial role in controlling digestion and appetite. The team has uncovered new 'nutrient sensors' on the enteroendocrine cells that produce these hormones. Since these sensors are promising pharmacological targets, the study published in Science has opened up possibilities for future treatments of metabolic and gut motility disorders through the manipulation of hormone release. 🔬 Curious about the characteristics of these intestinal nutrient sensors? Learn more about the study and its potential impact at https://lnkd.in/e6e6_KrA Joep Beumer Maarten Geurts Veerle G. Amanda Andersson Rolf Ninouk Akkerman Franziska Völlmy #Science #Research #GutHealth #NutrientSensors #Hormones #HubrechtInstitute #TeamIHB