“I am thrilled to be an EMBO young investigator. It is such a great opportunity to connect with this phenomenal pool of scientists and to receive EMBO's support for our ongoing research”, says Valenzano. During the three-year tenure, he will receive a range of benefits, including an award of 15,000 euros and possible additional funds to support the establishment of his first independent laboratory. The scientists also receive access to core facilities at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory in Heidelberg, Germany, and funding for himself and his group members to attend conferences.
Research on genome evolution
The Valenzano lab focuses on the evolutionary genetic basis of vertebrate lifespan and ageing. They use the model system Notobranchius furzeri, the African turquoise killifish, which is the shortest lived vertebrate bred in captivity. The fishes age very rapidly and show typical ageing symptoms: they develop cancer, neurodegenerative symptoms and their learning capacity declines. Valenzano’s group recently sequenced and annotated the genome of the killifish, providing a powerful tool for studying the genetic basis of ageing. Their latest studies revealed a link between gut bacteria and the ageing process.
Embryogenesis is the focus of Dr. Rada-Iglesias
Dr. Rada-Iglesias and his group focus on the Enhancer-elemants relevant for the development regarding their functional and mechanistic charactericstica. His special attention is on transcriptional and regulatory principles of embryogenesis of mammals, as well as enlightening the genetic and epigenetic basis of human hereditary diseases.
About EMBO
EMBO is an organization of more than 1700 leading researchers that promotes excellence in the life sciences. The major goals of the organization are to support talented researchers at all stages of their careers, stimulate the exchange of scientific information, and help build a European research environment where scientists can achieve their best work.