Mechano-Genomics Group

The mechano-genomics group is the most recent research group in the Division of Biology and Chemistry at the Paul Scherrer Institute. It was initiated by the appointment of Prof. G.V. Shivashankar as a Professor at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zurich and as a group leader at PSI.

Research: Using a multi-disciplinary approach, including single-cell correlative imaging, micro-fabricated biointerfaces, functional genomics and machine learning, we study the coupling between cell mechanics and 3D genome organization in regulating cell-state homeostasis and its transitions. Our studies, aimed at an in-depth understanding of the mechanical regulation of genome programs, have major implications in ageing and regenerative medicine, host-pathogen interactions and early cancer diagnostics. On the computational side, our laboratory collaborates closely with Caroline Uhler’s group at ETH Zurich. Furthermore, we develop technologies to create artificial microenvironments for cell-based experiments as well as novel methods for microscopy and micromanipulation of cells.

Currently, we are recruiting Masters, PhD and Postdoctoral scholars. If you are interested in joining our group, please send your CV to gshivasha@ethz.ch or gv.shivashankar@psi.ch.

Recent updates

2020-04-29
The paper by Bibhas Roy et. al published in PNAS is online:
B. Roy, L. Yuan, Y. Lee, A. Bharti, A. Mitra, and G. V. Shivashankar
Fibroblast rejuvenation by mechanical reprogramming and redifferentiation.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2020 Apr 29. pii: 201911497.
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1911497117.

2020-04-24
Our paper on polymer supports for serial protein crystallography is published:
A. Karpik, I. Martiel, P.M. Kristiansen, C. Padeste, Fabrication of ultrathin suspended polymer membranes as supports for serial protein crystallography
Micro and Nano Engineering. 2020; 7: 100053 (6 pp.).
DOI: 10.1016/j.mne.2020.100053

2020-04-02
The most recent paper of  C. Uhler and G.V. Shivashankar is online:
Mechano-genomic regulation of coronaviruses and its interplay with ageing
C. Uhler, G. V. Shivashankar
Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, 21 (2020) 247–248
DOI: 10.1038/s41580-020-0242-z