The Stem Cell Podcast

Ep. 304: “Gene Regulation” Featuring Dr. Lars Velten

Sep 16, 2025
Guest
Dr. Lars Velten
Dr. Lars Velten, a Group Leader at the Centre for Genomic Regulation in Barcelona, delves into intriguing research on gene regulation and hematopoiesis. He discusses the role of cell-state-specific enhancers and innovative lineage tracing techniques that reveal insights into blood aging. Velten also explores the integration of generative AI with traditional lab methods, emphasizing the importance of taking risks in basic research. Plus, he shares his perspective on the potential applications of his work beyond hematopoiesis.
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INSIGHT

Computation Meets Hematopoiesis In Lab Strategy

  • Velten blends computational functional genomics with hematopoiesis to create tech-focused biology.
  • His lab pivoted from skepticism about human lineage tracing to exploiting methylation as a native barcode.
INSIGHT

Methylation Encodes Lineage And Differentiation

  • CpG methylation contains two informative signals: differentiation state and clone-of-origin.
  • Epimutations in heterochromatin accumulate with divisions and can be used to reconstruct clonal lineage histories.
INSIGHT

Aging Drives Expanded HSC Clones

  • Elderly humans inevitably show expanded hematopoietic stem cell clones.
  • Scaling methylation-based tracing lets researchers assess clone function and lineage biases at population scale.
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