Systems RNA Biology of fate and identity

Fields of Research

Systems RNA Biology of fate and identity

Focus

We investigate how the genome is dynamically decoded to create and maintain diverse cell fates and tissue architectures. We study this through RNA regulation—the layer where genetic information becomes spatially and temporally precise. We dissect how splicing, localization, translation and RNA modifications build cell identity, organize tissues and shape regenerative capacity.

Our goal is to define the RNA logic that enables organs – especially the heart- to form, function, and recover—and to leverage this knowledge for next-generation regenerative therapies. Key publications: Frank et al, Cell Stem Cell 2019, Ahuja et al. EMBO reports 2019, Bartsch et al Science Advances 2023, Kurian et al 2015 Circulation, Kurian et al Nature Methods 2013, Kurian et al Nature 2011.

Tools

We combine functional genomics, RNA biology and advanced imaging to map gene regulation with precision. We use targeted and pooled CRISPR screens, genome engineering and high-resolution reporters to dissect RNA circuits controlling cell fate and tissue organisation. Super-resolution and single-molecule imaging approaches (eg. dSTORM, MERFISH) reveal spatial RNA logic within developing, homeostatic, and diseased tissues.

Within our European Research Council (ERC) funded project, TRANSCEND, we integrate these tools to define how specialized mRNA translation shapes embryonic cell fate and cell identity.

Model

We utilize human pluripotent stem cell (eg: hiPSCs)–derived systems, engineered tissues, and in vivo models (in collaboration) to understand how RNA programs guide cell identity and organ development. Human iPSC models allow us to recreate key steps of cardiac and multi-lineage development, while organoids capture the emergence of tissue architecture and interactions between cell types. For more info: www.Kurianlab.com