Karol Rogowski - (ERS 7)

Nationality: Polish

Main Host Institution: Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine

Academic Background: Master degree in Biotechnology awarded by Warsaw University of Life Sciences in 2013. Bachelor degree in Horticulture awarded by Warsaw University of Life Sciences in 2012

Project title: Identification and characterization of non-coding RNAs and their associated proteins involved in cellular stress responses

Project background: Cells in human body constantly have to cope with factors that induce cellular stresses. Some of those stresses have potential to alter cells biology and lead to dangerous diseases. In my project I am investigating roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cells responses to oxidative and genotoxic stress, two life threatening events which can lead to cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

Project Aim: Aim of this project is to dissect long non-coding RNA mediated responses to oxidative and genotoxic stresses in human cell culture model. I intend to investigate protein-lncRNA regulatory interactions concerning their molecular composition and architecture as well as their biological functions. These efforts are complemented by computational studies to reach a global understanding of the role and function of regulatory protein-lncRNA interactions in response to oxidative stress and DNA damage.

Expected outcome: My work will be instrumental in understanding RNA-based regulation in gene regulatory networks that play part in cells responses to DNA damage and oxidative stress. It also has potential in translational medicine. I expect to identify novel lncRNAs, which can modulate DNA damage and oxidative stress related pathologies such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Those lncRNAs may turn out to be suitable targets in novel treatment strategies