Our Research Strategy: From Molecules to Medicine

At the Toiber Lab, we investigate aging across biological scales. We bridge the gap between microscopic molecular events and organismal health, using SIRT6 as our primary model to drive discoveries from the laboratory bench to therapeutic intervention.

Our research is organized into three interconnected pillars:

1. DNA Repair & Genomic Stability

We explore the fundamental mechanisms of DNA damage response, specifically focusing on double-strand break (DSB) repair. By identifying how cells sense and repair genomic instability, we aim to uncover how the failure of these pathways accelerates the aging process and drives neurodegeneration.

2. Chromatin Architecture & Epigenetics

We examine the 3D organization of the genome and the epigenetic code that dictates cellular function. By mapping the transition from DNA damage to altered chromatin topology and transcriptomic output, we reveal how the aging cell loses its regulatory precision and how these changes influence gene expression and cellular identity.

3. Phenotypic Translation & Drug Discovery

We translate our molecular findings to the organismal level. By integrating high-throughput transcriptomics with behavioral assays, we study the systemic impact of aging in vivo. Ultimately, this pillar focuses on the development and validation of new therapeutic candidates, bridging the gap between basic aging research and clinical application.