Lab Members
Group Leader
Lea Sistonen, Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology
Department of Biosciences
Åbo Akademi University
lea.sistonen [at] bioscience.fi
Contact Information
Turku Bioscience P.O. Box 123, BioCity
(Street addr. Tykistökatu 6 B)
FIN-20521 Turku, Finland
Phone: +358-2-215-3311 (Lea Sistonen)
Fax: +358-2-251-7013 (Attn. Lea Sistonen)
Senior Researchers and Postdoctoral Fellows
Eva Henriksson
University Teacher, Senior Scientist
Sistonen Lab
office: +358 2 215 4079 (Biocity 2nd floor)
eva.henriksson [at] abo.fiI 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.
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!
I love knitting and crocheting, detective stories, sushi, gardening and of course my two wonderful kids Ivalo and Pietari.
Pia Roos-Mattjus
Academy Lecturer, Senior Scientist
Sistonen Lab
office: +358 2 215 4079 (Biocity 3rd floor)
pia.roos-mattjus [at] abo.fiThere 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!
To learn new things, teaching and spending time with family.
Anniina Vihervaara
Postdoctoral Researcher
Sistonen Lab
+358 (0)2 215 4055
anniina.vihervaara [at] abo.fiPostdoctoral fellow working in the laboratory of John Lis at Cornell University, New York.
Doctoral Candidates
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.
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.
Alejandro Da Silva
Doctoral Candidate
Sistonen Lab
+358 (0)2 215 4060
alejandro.dasilvanascimento [at] abo.fiMy 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 Church. I enjoy swimming, hiking, and biking.Undergraduate Students
Caroline Haldin-Breitenstein
Alumni
Alexandra Elsing
Maria Jensen
Camilla Aspelin
Anna Aalto
Johanna Ahlskog
Tero-Pekka Alastalo
Julius Anckar
Susanna Airaksinen
Judith Beer
Heidi Bergman
Johanna Björk
Malin Blom
Henri Blomster
Idalis Cardona
Alexandra Elsing
Ville Hietakangas
Carina Holmberg
Maria Jensen
Lila Kallio (née Pirkkala)
Sara Kangaspeska
Emine Lundsten
Heidi Lustig
Terhi Maula (née Kuru)
Annika Meinander
Satu Orasniemi
Beata Paziewska
Markus Penttinen
Sandra Pihlström
Julia Ranta
Helena Saarento
Anton Sandqvist
Cynthia Swan
Petra Vainio
Jenni Vasara
Malin Åkerfelt
Päivi Östling (née Nykänen)