People

Tatjana Haitina, Researcher, PI, Docent
I am fascinated by the gene regulatory circuits that control cell differentiation and to what extent these are shared between different animal species. I received my Master's in Molecular Biology at the University of Latvia and completed my PhD at the Medical Faculty of Uppsala University under supervision of Professor Robert Fredriksson. During that time, in the new era of genome sequencing, I discovered tens of novel genes in a number of vertebrate species and described their activity, together with pharmacological profiles of the membrane receptors and transporters they code for. To widen my scientific expertise, I designed my postdoctoral project and started to explore regulatory processes of skeletal development in a zebrafish model and I got completely hooked on this. Currently, I am a Principal Investigator at the Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University. Together with my team I continue to study the molecular mechanisms of the tissue formation, their conservation during animal evolution, and comparison between the health and disease states. When I am not doing science, I take care of my forest garden, walk in the nature or work with textile crafts.

Tatjana Haitina

Jake Leyhr, guest researcher (supported by the Evo Devo research program)
I completed my BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences at the Univeristy of Exeter (UK) in 2016 before moving to Sweden to pursue a Master’s in Evolutionary Biology at Uppsala University. It was during this time that I became hooked on evolutionary developmental biology (after seeing a fluorescent trangenic zebrafish for the first time) and after I graduated in 2018, I stayed to extend these studies as a PhD student. My work focuses on the evolution and development of the vertebrate skeleton including cartilage, bones, joints, and associated soft tissues including muscles, tendons, and ligaments, using zebrafish as a model organism. Being in a diverse research program surrounded by palaeontologists, I’ve been able to apply cutting-edge 3D imaging (synchrotron µCT scanning) to my research as well as getting involved in studying ancient fossil specimens. Outside of the lab I enjoy running and strength training, and take every opportunity I can to travel to new countries and experience different languages and cultures.

Jake Leyhr

Virginia Panara, postdoctoral researcher (supported by the Swedish research council, VR)
My interest in developmental biology started during my Bachelor’s at Univeristà degli Studi in Milan, observing the development of a zebrafish embryo under a microscope. Since then, understanding how a complex multicellular organism can arise from a single zygotic cell has been the question at the core of my scientific career. In 2016 I moved to Sweden to pursue a Master’s in Evolutionary Biology at Uppsala University, during which I focused on the topic of Evolution and Development. Following my graduation in 2018, I undertook my PhD in the Lymphatics Lab at Uppsala University, focusing on the gene regulation and chromatin re-arrangements underlying the acquisition of lymphatic endothelial cell identity. After gaining my doctoral degree in 2023, I decided to focus my studies on the little-explored field of lymphatic vasculature evolution. My current postdoctoral project, financed by the VR International Postdoc Grant and shared between Uppsala University and the University of Montpellier, focuses on determining the evolutionary history of the lymphatic vasculature in vertebrates. Outside of the lab, I enjoy arts and crafts, reading and birdwatching.

Virginia Panara

Zhengkang Luo, postdoctoral researcher (supported by Carl Tryggers foundation)
In 2015, I obtained my bachelor’s degree after majoring in Medical Laboratory Tests and Analysis at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, which provided me with a solid foundation in medical science from a clinical perspective. Driven further by an unwavering passion for research, I pursued a master's degree in Biomedicine at Uppsala University, focusing on regulatory T cells in type 1 diabetes. Subsequently, in 2018, I embarked on my PhD journey and expanded my research to the roles of interleukin-35-producing regulatory immune cells in type 1 diabetes. During my PhD, I developed expertise in flow cytometry that equipped me with a set of skills to address unresolved questions in my postdoctoral projects, particularly those focusing on musculoskeletal development in zebrafish. Outside of the lab, I love cats, competitive gaming, and good metal music to boost the day.

Zhengkang Luo

Anup Kumar Mani, PhD student (supported by Swedish Research Council, VR)
My fascination with the mechanisms of living organisms has led me to pursue a career in Biology. In 2017, I completed my BSc in Biotechnology from Alpha Arts and Science College (University of Madras), India. In 2022, I earned my MSc in Biomedical Sciences from Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, India. During my master’s thesis, I developed a deep appreciation for imaging techniques while studying zebrafish. The vibrant, fluorescent images of these organisms ignited my passion for imaging techniques and developmental biology. After graduating in 2022, I joined the advanced imaging facility at IIT Madras, India, as a research assistant. There, I gained experience working with various samples and learned different microscopy techniques. My current PhD project in Haitina’s lab involves investigating the evolutionary development of skeletal joints, tendons and ligaments in zebrafish. Using advanced imaging techniques like light microscopy, electron microscopy, and X-ray microtomography, I am exploring the cis-regulatory mechanisms underlying skeletal joint, ligament and tendon development. Beyond science, I enjoy traveling, exploring different cultures and cuisines, watching movies, and engaging in physical activities.

Anup Kumar Mani

Jiaying Xie Chen, project student, University of Barcelona, supported by Erasmus

Xie Chen

Karen Desmedt, project student, Hogent University, supported by Erasmus

Past Lab Members

Postdoctoral researchers

Daniel Ocampo Daza
Postdoctoral researcher 2017-2020 (supported by Vetenskapsrådet)
Molecular evolution of extracellular matrix sulfotransferases in vertebrates.

PhD students

Jake Leyhr
PhD student 2018-2023 (supported by Evolution and Development program)
PhD thesis: Musculoskeletal Development in Jawed Vertebrates: Gene function, cis-regulation, and 3D phenotypes in zebrafish. ISBN 978-91-513-1879-0.

Philipp Pottmeijer, co-supervised 2018-2023

Laura Waldmann
PhD student 2016-2021 (supported by Vetenskapsrådet).
PhD thesis: The role of Nkx3.2 and Gdf5 during zebrafish skeletal development. ISBN 978-91-513-1110-4.

Emmanouil Tsakoumis, co-supervised 2017-2021

Bianca Vlcek, co-supervised 2019-2021

Willian Silva, co-supervised 2014-2018

Jan Stundl, guest PhD student, 2017
Transcriptome analyses through developmental stages of basal actinopterygians.

Anna Jerve, co-supervised 2015-2016.
PhD thesis: Development and three-dimensional histology of vertebrate dermal fin spines. ISBN 978-91-554-9596-1.

Project and Master Students

Elsa Leflaec 2023, Lille University

Inés Gonzalez Aspe 2022

Branco Vanhaverbeke 2020

​Sara Gillnäs, 2019

Tara Dijkman 2018

Lina Stacker 2018

Jietse Verweirder 2018

Jake Leyhr 2017-2018

Thibaut D’hooge 2017

Marlene Schmidt 2017

Michiel Mooren 2016

Jelle Cokelaere 2016

Erik Elgh 2016

Laura Waldmann 2015

Onur Özer 2015

Henning Onsbring Gustafson 2014, 2012

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