#IDIBELLfellows: Laia Solè

Exploring the role of CDK8 in Young and Aged Hematopoietic Stem Cells: Expression, Kinase Activity, and Epigenetic Regulation
Laia Solè – Stem Cell Aging
Upon aging Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) undergo an epigenetic remodeling that is associated with the loss of their regenerative capacity. These epigenetic alterations represent potential pharmacological targets to improve the activity of old stem cells.
We have seen an upregulation of CDK8 expression in aged HSCs compared to young. CDK8 is a protein working as a negative regulator of the Mediator complex. It regulates the activity of super-enhancers (SEs) in different cells and can affect chromatin accessibility.
In this project we aim to test whether CDK8 expression/activity/compartmentation is changed in aged HSCs and whether it influences HSC function and regenerative capacity. And we also investigate why CDK8 is critical for SEs in HSCs and how SEs affect stem cell stemness/differentiation program.