Group Members

Marek Budzyński

marek.budzynski[at]abo.fi

My main interest in the lab is to understand how various post-translational modifications (PTMs) regulate the activity of HSFs, mainly HSF1. I am also studying how, compounds called chaperone co-inducers are able to enhance gene expression during heat shock response (HSR), but are not able to activate HSF1 alone. I am also implementing CRISPR/Cas9 system into Sistonen laboratory, currently as a knock-in and knock-out tool.

Personally, I love sci-fi and fantasy themes and heavy focus on personal finance and financial investments.

Photo by Num Wistbacka

Eva Henriksson

eva.henriksson[at]abo.fi

I am investigating how HSFs regulate a developmental process, i.e. spermatogenesis, and how they sustain malignant growth in cancer and promote cancer cell invasion. My special focus is in identifying interaction partners of HSF1 and HSF2 and in resolving the functional consequences of these interactions in different cellular compartments.

Photo by Num Wistbacka

Pia Roos-Mattjus

proos[at]abo.fi
Website

There are always projects available for students, please contact me for further information if you want to do your Biochemistry III lab rotation (or equivalent) or if you would be interested in doing your pro gradu research work in the laboratory!

Interests: to learn new things, teaching and spending time with family.

Photo by Num Wistbacka

Cynthia Swan

My current research focus is to study the subcellular localization of HSF1 and HSF2 as well as identify interacting protein partners with both of these proteins and determine the effect of stress on both of these parameters. My research is done in collaboration with both Dr. Lea Sistonen’s group at Åbo Akademi as well as with Dr. Pat Krone at the University of Saskatchewan.

In my spare time I enjoy going to movies, following the Marvel-verse on Netflix and gardening.

Anniina Vihervaara

Postdoctoral fellow working in the laboratory of John Lis at Cornell University, New York.

Alejandro Da Silva

alejandro.dasilvanascimento[at]abo.fi

My main research interest is the protein network in which HSF1 and HSF2 function. Currently, I am focused on interacting partners of HSF2 in the context of cancer invasion. Finally, I am also studying the role of HSF2 upon proteasome inhibition and protein aggregation.

I participate in activities organized by the local Catholic Chruch. I enjoy swimming, hiking, and biking.

Photo by Num Wistbacka

Samu Himanen

samu.himanen[at]abo.fi

I am interested in understanding how HSF1 and HSF2 mediate cell protection upon different proteotoxic conditions. To study this, I am using genome-wide methods to discover what are the roles of HSF1 and HSF2 in transcriptional responses during heat stress and oxidative stress. In addition, I am interested in knowing how does repeated exposure to stress affect cell memory and capacity of cells to respond to subsequent stress.

Outside the lab, my biggest passion is street workout/calisthenics but I enjoy also reading some good sci-fi literature among other things.

Photo by Num Wistbacka

Jenny Joutsen

jenny.joutsen[at]abo.fi

I am mainly interested in HSFs and their importance in protein aggregation induced cell stress. Currently I am working with HSF2 and proteasome inhibition and I am mainly focusing on the HSF2-dependent transcriptional program that sensitises cells to proteasome inhibiting drugs. The overall keywords for my scientific interests could be: HSFs, protein aggregation, neurodegeneration, PTMs, SUMO, translation, cell adhesion, mechanical stress and many others!

Personally I love knitting and crocheting, detective stories, sushi, gardening and of course my two wonderful kids Ivalo and Pietari.

Photo by Num Wistbacka

Jens Luoto

jens.luoto[at]abo.fi

I am interested in learning about new aspects of HSF2 by studying its localization in cells. I also work with Marek to produce CRISPR-Cas9 cell lines for the lab. I am also in charge of building and maintaining our website.

In my free time I study Japanese and enjoy both card and video games.

Photo by Num Wistbacka

Mikael Puustinen

mikael.puustinen[at]abo.fi

Photo by Num Wistbacka