Paschalis Kratsios, PhD

My lab uses the specific strengths of two model systems (C.elegans and mice) to reveal the gene regulatory mechanisms that control motor neuron development and function. To reveal such mechanisms we employ novel methodology, such as whole genome sequencing, CRISPR genome editing, ATAC-seq and cell type-specific transcriptome profiling. Our laboratory aims to systematically test whether the function of the gene regulatory factors we discover in C.elegans is conserved across phylogeny using mouse genetics and novel genomic approaches.



A detailed understanding of how the motor neurons develop and function may provide novel entry points into the etiology, diagnosis or treatment of motor neuron disorders, such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). From the basic science perspective, our research will reveal novel transcription factors, their targets and the cis-regulatory elements (motifs) through which these factors act. Such decoding of cis-regulatory information is a vital step toward understanding genome function.

Columbia University
Postdoctoral training - Developmental Neurobiology
2016

European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)
Ph.D. - Developmental Biology
2009

A molecular atlas of adult C. elegans motor neurons reveals ancient diversity delineated by conserved transcription factor codes.
A molecular atlas of adult C. elegans motor neurons reveals ancient diversity delineated by conserved transcription factor codes. Cell Rep. 2024 Feb 28; 43(3):113857.
PMID: 38421866

UNC-30/PITX coordinates neurotransmitter identity with postsynaptic GABA receptor clustering.
UNC-30/PITX coordinates neurotransmitter identity with postsynaptic GABA receptor clustering. bioRxiv. 2024 Feb 14.
PMID: 38405977

Efficacy of auxin-inducible protein degradation in C. elegans tissues using different auxins and TIR1-expressing strains.
Efficacy of auxin-inducible protein degradation in C. elegans tissues using different auxins and TIR1-expressing strains. bioRxiv. 2024 Jan 19.
PMID: 38293206

A DNA nanodevice for mapping sodium at single-organelle resolution.
A DNA nanodevice for mapping sodium at single-organelle resolution. Nat Biotechnol. 2023 Sep 21.
PMID: 37735265

Translation of dipeptide repeat proteins in C9ORF72 ALS/FTD through unique and redundant AUG initiation codons.
Translation of dipeptide repeat proteins in C9ORF72 ALS/FTD through unique and redundant AUG initiation codons. Elife. 2023 09 07; 12.
PMID: 37675986

A molecular atlas of adult C. elegans motor neurons reveals ancient diversity delineated by conserved transcription factor codes.
A molecular atlas of adult C. elegans motor neurons reveals ancient diversity delineated by conserved transcription factor codes. bioRxiv. 2023 Aug 06.
PMID: 37577463

Maintenance of neuronal identity in C. elegans and beyond: Lessons from transcription and chromatin factors.
Maintenance of neuronal identity in C. elegans and beyond: Lessons from transcription and chromatin factors. Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2024 02 15; 154(Pt A):35-47.
PMID: 37438210

Cell context-dependent CFI-1/ARID3 functions control neuronal terminal differentiation.
Cell context-dependent CFI-1/ARID3 functions control neuronal terminal differentiation. Cell Rep. 2023 03 28; 42(3):112220.
PMID: 36897776

Hox gene functions in the C. elegans nervous system: From early patterning to maintenance of neuronal identity.
Hox gene functions in the C. elegans nervous system: From early patterning to maintenance of neuronal identity. Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2024 Jan-Feb; 152-153:58-69.
PMID: 36496326

Maintenance of neurotransmitter identity by Hox proteins through a homeostatic mechanism.
Maintenance of neurotransmitter identity by Hox proteins through a homeostatic mechanism. Nat Commun. 2022 10 15; 13(1):6097.
PMID: 36243871

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Award for Basic Research in Neurobiology
Whitehall Foundation
2017 - 2019

K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award
National Institute of Health
2013 - 2018