Speaker: Prof. Kim B. Jensen, PhD
Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine,
Department of Biomedical Sciences,
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences,
University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Presentation
Organizer: IRB BioMed Seminars
Date: Friday, 27 February 2026, 12:00h
Place: Auditorium, PCB
Host: Prof. Eduard Batlle, Program Coordinator and Group Leader - Colorectal Cancer Laboratory - Cancer Science Programme and Prof. Alejo Rodríguez- Fraticelli, Junior Group Leader - Quantitative Stem Cell Dynamics Laboratory - Aging and Metabolism Programme - IRB Barcelona.
The intestinal epithelium plays a vital role in digestion and nutrient absorption. Adult stem cells located at the base of the crypts are responsible for the continuous renewal of the epithelium by generating differentiated progeny. Upon injury, the tissue must rapidly repair damaged areas. However, the mechanisms that guide this regenerative process remain poorly understood.
Interestingly, multiple cell populations can contribute to tissue repair, involving a process of cellular reprogramming. During this process, cells begin to express gene regulatory networks associated with a more primitive, fetal-like intestinal state. By understanding the mechanisms that drive these state transitions, we speculate that it may be possible to enhance tissue regeneration and develop new therapeutic strategies for treating ulcerative disorders.
Recent work from my team has begun to map the gene regulatory networks that control and coordinate these transitions, using both compound screening and CRISPR/Cas9-based approaches. Through this, we have identified a series of key regulators of cell fate and the regenerative state, which will be the focus of my lecture.
IMPORTANT: For attendees outside the PCB community you must register at least 24h before the seminar.
The weekly seminars at IRB Barcelona are scientific events primarily addressed to the Institute’s research community and professionals in the biomedical field. Attendance is intended exclusively for individuals with a genuine and justified scientific interest in the seminar content. Registration should not be used to request supporting documents for visa or immigration purposes. For participants residing outside Spain, in-person attendance requires a formal invitation issued by an IRB Barcelona research group or department. Without such an invitation, access to the institute cannot be guaranteed. IRB Barcelona reserves the right to review and verify all seminar registrations.