Keijo Viiri
I'm Keijo Viiri, PhD, a Senior Researcher at the Tampere University and an Associate Professor (tenure) of Molecular Medicine at the University of Oulu, Finland, and the group leader of the Intestinal Signalling and Epigenetics (ISE) group. .
I received PhD from the University of Tampere in 2009 and completed postdoctoral training at the University College London Cancer Institute (UK) from 2009 to 2013. In 2017, I established own research group as an Academy Research Fellow at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University.
The Intestinal Signalling and Epigenetics (ISE) group focuses on understanding the signalling mechanisms that maintain tissue homeostasis in the intestinal epithelium. We investigate how epigenetic mechanisms translate these signals into altered gene expression and cell differentiation. Our research also explores the remarkable cell plasticity of the intestinal epithelium and the impact of metabolic cues on homeostasis through epigenetic histone modifications. Additionally, we study endocrine signalling and the molecular mechanisms behind the secretion of small intestinal peptide hormones, examining their roles in glycaemic and satiety control. Finally, our group delves into the molecular pathogenesis of celiac disease and the influence of environmental factors, such as viruses, on the loss of oral tolerance to dietary gluten.
We utilize intestinal organoid models, transgenic animals, and high-throughput genome-wide, spatial, and single-cell methods in our research. We also collaborate with the drug development industry, offering advanced molecular tools to assess drug efficacy in celiac disease trials. Our ultimate goal is to develop applicable molecular tools for evaluating intestinal health and to identify biological targets within various signalling pathways for drug development, aiming to treat celiac disease, diabesity, and related metabolic disorders.
Abstracts this author is presenting: