Our research
The Toda lab is located at Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin (MPZ-PM).
We use neurobiological, epigenomic, computational and biophysical approaches to understand brain plasticity, brain aging, and age-related neurodegenerative diseases. The lab is relocated to the new MPZ-PM building in 2024!
How do neural cells maintain their identities and functions during our life span?
To elucidate this question, we have addressed cell type-specific nuclear architecture organized by nuclear structural proteins, such as nuclear pores or nuclear lamins. In addition, we have recently identified long-lived nuclear RNAs. We are investigating how long-lived RNAs contribute to epigenetic regulation as well as cellular identity.
Explore links between aging and neurodegenerative diseases
Aging is one of the most critical risk factors for neurological and psychiatric diseases. However, the biological links between physiological brain aging and pathological development are still largely unknown. Our lab aims at seeking a link between the fundamental mechanism underlying the long-term maintenance of neural function and effects of ageing on that, by focusing on cell-type specific nuclear architecture, long-lived proteins, and long-lived RNAs.
Neural stem cell aging
Adult neural stem cells are retained in the specific brain regions such as the hippocampus and provide structural and functional plasticity in the adult brains. However, their neurogenic capability is lost during aging. We study how adult neural stem cells are aged and whether we could rejuvenate them.
News
New Post-doc position
A ERC-funded postdoc position studying the role of long-lived RNA in epigenetic regulation is available. Plz apply with your CV, summary of previous research, and motivation letter with potential project proposals, contact of two references, directly to Tomo.
New paper in Science!
The Toda lab in collaboration with the Hetzer lab identified long-lived RNAs in the mammalian brain. Please check it!
Toda lab got a prestigious ERC-CoG Grant 2023!
With the support, we will explore roles of nuclear RNAs in the long-term maintenance of neural epigenome. This is the second ERC grant in the Toda lab. Stay tune!
Our Team
Tomohisa Toda
Tomo is a Professor at FAU Erlangen and a group leader at MPZ-PM/ DZNE in Dresden, Germany. His research focus is to understand the role of nuclear architecture in neural development/evolution, maintenance and brain aging. Tomo received his PhD from the University of Tokyo and did his postdoc in Rusty Gage’s lab at the Salk Institute. The Toda lab was established based on the support from the ERC starting grant in 2019, and moved to FAU/MPZ-PM in 2022. Tomo also got an ERC-Consolidator grant in 2024 to study roles of long-lived RNA in brain aging.
Sara Zocher
Sara completed her PhD at the Kempermann Lab @CRTD. After the trainings in in vivo imaging, she has joined the Toda lab with strong interests in epigenetic aging and its causality in cognition.
Josue Cerecedo Castillo
Josue has joined the Toda lab as a computational post-doc from Mexico since 2023. He has great expertise in epigenetic analyses. One day, he will cook real Tocos for us.
His hobby is research!
Koki Sakurai
Koki is a post-doc from Japan, Osaka University. He is interested in nucleoporin-directed gene regulation in health and disease. He is good at playing the saxhorn!
Anne Karasinsky
Anne is a research technician and a specialist of animal experiments. She likes sushi and tea.
Abhinav Soni
Abhi is the first PhD student from DIPP program. His focus is on the role of nuclear architecture in neural plasticity. He received her B. tech and M..tech from Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India in bioengineering and developmental biology. He likes to learn new technology and enjoy bouldering in Dresden.
Ludovica Sforza
Ludovica is a PhD student from Italy. She is interested in how nuclear architecture dictates the development and maintenance of specific neural identity.
Konstantin Michel
Konstantin is a joint PhD student with the Guck lab at the MPZ-PM. He is investigating how cell type-specific nuclear shape underlies epigenetic regulation.
Romi George
Romi is a PhD student recruited through IMPRS-PM. She is investigating the mechanisms underlying the maintenance of long-lived RNAs
Humberto Romero Limon
Humberto is a master student from IMPRS-PM. Humberto is establishing a 3D nuclear model to understand cell type-specific biophysical nuclear features.
Julia Hernandez Pineda
Julia has been trained as a veterinarian and biochemist. Upon the move of the lab to FAU, Julia has join the lab as a research technician.
Join the lab
Master Students
We are always looking for highly motivated and creative students. Students interested in a master’s project with a focus on epigenetics, neurobiology and brain aging are encouraged to contact Tomo or apply through Molecular medicine at FAU or IMPRS-PM.
PhD Students
Students interested in a PhD project should apply for the FAU PhD or IMPRS-PM program in Erlangen. Please contact Tomo if you are interested.
Post-doc/fellowships
We are also supporting fellowship applications of outstanding postdoctoral researchers who wish to join our lab.
Funding is available through various organizations (Humboldt foundation, HFSP, EMBO, JSPS, DAAD, etc.).
International students and researchers are particularly encouraged to get in touch. In case you are interested in working with us please contact Tomo.
Funding and support
Contact information
Lab of Neural Epigenomics @FAU
Contact to AG Toda tomohisa.toda@fau.de
The Toda lab will be soon moved into the new MPZ-PM building!!