Jerome Jatzlau

Research

My research focuses on how the strength and molecular organization of TGFβ/BMP signaling are translated into context-dependent transcriptional responses. I initially approached this question from the perspective of vascular disease, studying how disturbed signaling balance contributes to conditions such as pulmonary arterial hypertension. In endothelial cells, we identified BMPR2 as a key gatekeeper of this balance, revealing how receptor organization shifts signaling output and mechanotransduction. This raised the question of how signaling strength determines transcriptional output. We showed that low and high levels of activated SMAD1/5 regulate distinct target gene programs. I subsequently defined the minimal requirements for productive SMAD1/5-dependent transcription. We found that optimal composite SMAD-binding sites are rare in the genome and preferentially respond at low signaling levels, whereas higher SMAD activity unlocks additional, more context-dependent targets. These findings led to my current focus on mechano-genomics. I investigate how mechanical forces such as fluid shear stress reshape chromatin accessibility and thereby influence signaling competence in vascular endothelial cells. Our work has identified SOX, GATA and FOX transcription factor networks as important modulators of BMP-responsive chromatin. I now aim to define how pioneer and lineage-determining transcription factors shape chromatin accessibility and thereby modulate SMAD-dependent transcription. A complementary focus of my work is the development of experimental tools to manipulate and measure signaling. Using HaloTag- and SNAP-tag-based approaches, we established ligand-surface binding and chemically induced receptor-proximity systems. In parallel, I am developing genetically encoded reporters that convert defined signaling and mechanotransduction states into optically measurable outputs in living cells. More broadly, my research seeks to understand how cells integrate biochemical and mechanical information across regulatory scales, from receptor organization and signaling amplitude at the plasma membrane to transcription factor cooperation and chromatin architecture in the nucleus. Ultimately, I aim to uncover general principles that explain how signaling specificity is generated in vascular homeostasis and how these mechanisms become dysregulated in disease.

Curriculum Vitae

I studied Biology and Molecular and Cell Biology at Freie Universität Berlin, where I subsequently completed my PhD in Biochemistry in the group of Prof. Petra Knaus with summa cum laude distinction. I continued my research as a postdoctoral scientist at Freie Universität Berlin and expanded my scientific background through a visiting postdoctoral stay in the laboratory of Prof. María J. Macías at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine in Barcelona. Since 2021, I have also been a guest scientist in the group of Prof. Stefan Mundlos at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics. Since 2023, I have taken on the acting leadership of the research group during Prof. Knaus’ appointment as Vice President of Freie Universität Berlin, including team coordination, teaching supervision and day-to-day academic leadership. My current research is closely connected to SFB1444, where I drive the scientific implementation of a project on the mechano-genomic code and coordinate the experimental work of students and PhD researchers. My research has been supported through competitive grants, awards and fellowships. Alongside my research, I have established an independent teaching and supervision profile, including new courses in mechanobiology and science communication. I have mentored Bachelor, Master and PhD researchers and serve as a Board Member of the Berlin School for Regenerative Therapies. My teaching was recognized with the Prize for Good Teaching in Biochemistry at Freie Universität Berlin in 2024 and 2026.