Research and Interests

Dr. Graf has a long-standing interest in the mechanisms of transdifferentiation, i.e. the direct conversion from one cell type to another. Using tools and methods developed by his group based on the direct conversion of B cells into macrophages, Dr. Graf is studying how the transcription factor C/EBPα activates the macrophage gene expression program, and concomitantly silences the B cell program. Graf is also interested in how C/EBPα collaborates with pluripotency factors in the generation of induced pluripotent cells. His work enhances the understanding of normal differentiation and its aberrations in blood cell cancers, and helps designing new protocols for the improved reprogramming of somatic cells that could become useful for tissue replacement and regeneration.