Heinäniemi lab, Systems Genomics

Cells represent the fundamental unit of life. In tissues, they are in constant interaction with their environment. Our goal is to investigate the changes in the regulation of cellular state during the development of various diseases. To understand these mechanisms, we utilize extensive molecular profiling data and collect measurements using various genomic methods from cell models and humans. We apply and develop systems biology, bioinformatics and AI-based methods to investigate changes at the cellular and molecular level at different stages of disease development.

The bone marrow produces a huge number of different blood cells every day and thereby creates the foundation of the immune system. We study changes in the immune system that occur during the lifespan and the changes in bone marrow cells in leukemia. The most common cancer in children and adolescents develops as a result of a disorder of blood cell differentiation. We aim to determine how the regulatory system that controls cell differentiation is altered in different leukemia types. To facilitate translation of the cell state profiles (genome/transcriptome/proteome) to clinical use in patients, we are developing suitable analysis tools. In addition to the regulatory circuits operating within the cell, we study the interaction of cells. By understanding these connections, our goal is to restore early dysfunction to normal and enhance the efficacy of new immunotherapies in cancer.

Our key future goal is to connect information about molecular and cellular interactions so that we can more accurately model the dynamics of cell states.

Publications – selected publications; all publications co-authored by principal investigator in orcid