Joanna Loizou, Ass.-Prof. PhD
Group Leader
E-Mail: joanna.loizou [at] meduniwien [dot] ac [dot] at
Phone: +43 (0)1 40160 - 57615
Research Focus
The Loizou lab is a DNA repair research group. Our vision is to piece together the intricate puzzle that encompasses the human DNA damage response at the cellular level, hence providing a complete understanding of how such pathways go wrong in disease states, with a strong emphasis on cancer. To achieve this, the team uses genome-scale approaches, based around genetics, genomics, proteomics and chemical biology. We hypothesize, and have proven, that by investigating the regulatory pathways of DNA repair taking unbiased approaches, we can: 1. Advance our knowledge of how cells respond to DNA damage, 2.Uncover genetic interactions required for DNA repair and cellular survival and 3. Unravel the impact on the genome upon engagement of DNA damage and DNA repair pathways. Hence, we envisage that our research will shed light on the mechanisms leading to cellular transformation and pave the way for better treatments for cancer (https://loizoulab.org/).
Funding
OEAW DOC PhD Fellowships (25524, 25757, 25035)
ERC Synergy Grant (ERC-2019-SyG - 855741 DDREAMM); https://www.ddreamm.org/home
FWF Stand Alone (P 33024)
FWF SFB (F 79); https://www.protein-degradation.org/
OEAW DOC PhD Fellowships
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (REAP - DLV-843630)
Selected Publications
Mapping the Human Kinome in Response to DNA Damage.
Owusu M, Bannauer P, Ferreira da Silva J, Mourikis TP, Jones A, Májek P, Caldera M, Wiedner M, Lardeau CH, Mueller AC, Menche J, Kubicek S, Ciccarelli FD, Loizou JI.
Cell Rep, 26, 555-563 e556, 2019
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30650350/
Map of synthetic rescue interactions for the Fanconi anemia DNA repair pathway identifies USP48.
Velimezi G, Robinson-Garcia L, Muñoz-Martínez F, Wiegant WW, Ferreira da Silva J, Owusu M, Moder M, Wiedner M, Rosenthal SB, Fisch KM, Moffat J, Menche J, van Attikum H, Jackson SP, Loizou JI.
Nat Commun, 9, 2280, 2018
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29891926/
Validating the concept of mutational signatures with isogenic cell models.
Zou X, Owusu M, Harris R, Jackson SP, Loizou JI*, Nik-Zainal S*.
Nat Commun, 9, 1744, 2018;
*co-corresponding
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29717121/
Repair of UV-Induced DNA Damage Independent of Nucleotide Excision Repair Is Masked by MUTYH.
Mazouzi A, Battistini F, Moser SC, Ferreira da Silva, Wiedner M, Owusu M, Lardeau C-H, Ringler A, Weil B, Neesen J, Orozco M, Kubicek S, Loizou JI.
Mol Cell, 68, 797-807 e797, 2017
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29149600/
Parallel genome-wide screens identify synthetic viable interactions between the BLM helicase complex and Fanconi anemia.
Moder M, Velimezi G, Owusu M, Mazouzi A, Wiedner M, Ferreira da Silva J, Robinson-Garcia L, Schischlik F, Slavkovsky R, Kralovics R, Schuster M, Bock C, Ideker T, Jackson SP, Menche J, Loizou JI.
Nat Commun, 8, 1238, 2017
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29089570/