Cell Biology of Tissue Aging
Video Description
Electron microscopy-resolved intestinal crypt, being the region of the intestine homing stem cells. Shown are stem cell surfaces and nuclei (green) located at the crypt base and crypt edge (blue), Paneth niche cells (yellow) and progenitor cells (grey).
We started our group in July 2024 at the vibrant MPI-CBG in Germany, where we are thriving to answer the following question.
How Organs Change with Age
As we age, our bodies undergo many changes — one crucial being a decline in the function of stem cells that support our organ function.
The Scharaw lab investigates how the decline of stem cell function affects the body’s ability to constantly renew cells of our organs. A key focus of the lab is the role of the endomembrane system — a network within cells that acts as a series of transportation hubs, allowing stem cells to transmit signals. With age, changes in this system can impair stem cell function.
We are studying how the organisation of the endomembrane system influences communication between stem cells and their neighboring cells, and how this impacts organ renewal. By understanding these processes, we aim to pave the way for new strategies to support organ health as we age.
Recent News from the Lab
12.2025
Sandra at the ASCB 2025 in Philadelphia!
Sandra chaired at this year’s Cell Bio ASCB/EMBO Meeting the session on “Epithelial cell polarity and polarized trafficking in organ health and disease.”
Thank you to all the speakers for sharing their exciting science!
11.2025
bram Finishes his master’s program!
Bram van Rijnsoever finished his Master’s program with us. He submitted his Master’s thesis to Utrecht University after being with us since April.
Congratulations Bram for completing your program!
11.2025
Musashi joins our group as an Elbe Post-doc!
Dr. Musashi Koyama joined our group as an Elbe post-doc from the Australian National University, Canberra. He will be bridging our science with math.
Warm welcome to our lab, Musashi!
Scharaw Lab 