Grant awarded for groundbreaking research
Associate Professor Pierre Chymkowitch, from the BMB section at the Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, has been awarded 12 million NOK through the FRIPRO program by The Norwegian Research Council. The funded project, titled “Unraveling the molecular mechanisms that imprint epigenetic fate during adipogenesis”, aims to shed light on how post-translational modifications by the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) regulate epigenetic stability in stem cells.

Epigenetic disturbances and disease
Recent findings, including Pierre Chymkowitch's work, suggest that transient disruptions in the epigenetic machinery can establish long-lasting epigenetic memory that promote conditions like cancer or obesity.

This project will utilize the development of fat cells, known as adipogenesis, to investigate how the process of SUMOylation helps stem cells maintain stable epigenetic traits and functions. By doing so, we can understand changes that may lead to diseases like cancer. The project will also closely examine the relationship between SUMOylation in stem cells and the formation of fat cells, and the susceptibility to developing obesity.

Exciting postdoctoral opportunities
As part of this initiative, two postdoctoral fellowships will soon be advertised. These positions include one focusing on Molecular and Cell Biology, and one focusing on bioinformatics and biostatistics. This upcoming bioinformatics-focused post-doctoral position offers an exceptional collaborative environment because it will be co-supervised by Dr. Anthony Mathelier at the Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM) in Oslo.

Collaborative research environment
This collaboration with NCMM provides the selected candidates with outstanding opportunities for networking and interdisciplinary interactions. These positions are perfect for scientists seeking to unravel the molecular mechanisms regulated by SUMOylation in epigenetics, adipogenesis, and disease development.

Source: https://www.mn.uio.no/ibv/english/about/news-and-events/news/2025/pierre-nfr-funding.html