The Gurdon Institute

New DNA stability genes uncovered in systematic study of Yeast Knockout Collection

The Jackson lab applied next-generation DNA sequencing to over 4500 yeast strains in the Gene Knockout Collection. The resulting comprehensive resource identifies new genes responsible for maintaining the stability of DNA in cells, and whose absence or mutation leads to a variety of effects, from changes in short sequence repeats to the loss of whole chromosomes. These 'mutational signatures' can now also be studied in human cells.

Gastric stem cell population dynamics

In partnership with Bon-Kyoung Koo and colleagues at the Institute for Molecular Biotechnology in Vienna, the Simons lab have revealed the compartmentalisation of the mouse stomach corpus epithelium, identifying populations and behaviours of stem cells that maintain the rapid turnover of the upper region of the gland.

Cell fate mapping in the sebaceous gland

With collaborators at the University of Copenhagen and Edouard Hannezo at the IST in Vienna, the Simons lab have revealed the cellular mechanism of sebaceous gland development in mouse. Using clonal fate studies, they have determined how progenitors balance proliferation and differentiation to expand and maintain the gland, and how this process becomes disrupted following activation of the oncogene Kras.

Small RNAs in a novel model organism: the sparrow

The Miska lab under Katharina Gapp provide a descriptive study of small RNAs in sperm sourced from old and young sparrows. The ability to use this working model from the wild, from which samples can be taken repeatedly and non-invasively, will provide further insights into inter- and trans-generational inheritance. Previously, sparrow paternal age has been shown to affect offspring fitness but the mechanism is unknown.

Discovering gene circuits

Gene circuits are responsible for a wide variety of cell functions and tissue behaviours. Simons group member Tom Hiscock developed a computational algorithm to predict the types of circuits that would execute specific functions such as counting pulses or generating stripes. The circuits can also be used in synthetic biology, for example to direct growth and behaviour of organoids.

Bipotent stem cells in embryonic liver

The Huch and Simons labs examined the developing mouse liver using cell lineage tracing and single-cell RNA sequencing. They identified a sub-population of hepatoblasts that express the adult stem cell marker Lgr5+ and show these cells are bipotent, i.e. they can generate both of the two main cell types in the adult liver: hepatocytes that make up the bulk of liver tissue and cholangiocytes that form the bile ducts.

We're hiring

We are currently looking for one or more new Group Leaders, especially in the area of cancer biology, and for two postdocs to work with Emma Rawlins on lineage analysis and morphogenesis in the developing human lung. We'd love to hear from you! Application deadlines in October.

More details

Crochet a cell at the Festival of Ideas

Join Gurdon Institute scientists for crochet! Discover the amazing inner world of cells, and add your own cell to our community epithelial tissue. Drop in and get hands on: Saturday 19th October, 11am to 5pm, at the Faculty of Law.

Browse Festival events

Culture, craft and continuity

Our new film is out! In 'Culture, craft and continuity' we hear from three scientists working as lab and facility managers at the Gurdon Institute. These members hold a valuable knowledge and skills resource that they can pass on to new recruits to the labs, also providing continuity as researchers move through on an academic path.

Watch the video

Discussing science and Brexit with MEP

East of England MEP Catherine Rowett (UK Green Party) (centre of photo) visited the Institute on 22nd August to learn about who we are and what we do. Catherine talked with a selection of group leaders and young researchers and heard about the impact of the Brexit vote and continuing uncertainty about the future, on people's lives, career decisions and the UK science base.

About Catherine Rowett

Considering postgraduate research?

If you're thinking about doing a PhD at Cambridge or even at the Gurdon Institute, there will be more information on offer at the next Postgraduate Open Day, Friday 1 November 2019. The Institute will have a stand at the central exhibition hub over lunchtime. You can also see our guidance under the 'Join us' tab above.

More info