# Epigenetic Signatures During Aging and Cancer (Alena van Bömmel)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/epigenetics-podcast-809637/epigenetic-signatures-during-aging-and-cancer-alena-van-b-mmel
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/epigenetics-podcast-809637/epigenetic-signatures-during-aging-and-cancer-alena-van-b-mmel.md
Podcast: [Epigenetics Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/epigenetics-podcast-809637)
Published: 2026-05-07T07:01:00+00:00
Episode link: https://activemotif.podbean.com/e/epigenetic-signatures-during-aging-and-cancer-alena-van-bommel/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/8nhfhck9s4nucath/AMP174_-_Alena_van_Bo_mmelbdz93.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/epigenetics-podcast-809637/episodes/epigenetic-signatures-during-aging-and-cancer-alena-van-b-mmel
Duration seconds: 2267

## Resource

In this episode of the Epigenetics Podcast, we talked with Alena van Bömmel from the Biomedical Center (BMC) in Munich about her work on the development of interpretable epigenetic clocks and statistical models of epigenetic dynamics during aging, and the unique epigenetic signatures associated with various cancers, such as brain tumors or leukemias to detect powerful diagnostic markers or predictors of therapeutic response. The Interview starts with Dr. van Bömmel sharing her work on co-occurring transcription factors within cell-type specific enhancers, describing the pioneering use of DNA sequencing and its substantial implications in understanding chromatin accessibility. We explore the findings that revealed varying transcription factor interactions across cell types, emphasizing the complexity inherent in gene regulation. Although her research largely remained in silico, its findings paved the way for potential validation through advanced sequencing techniques. The discussion broadens to encompass Dr. van Bömmel's work on pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia, where she elaborates on the epigenetic dynamics observed in patient samples. We discuss her collaboration on a large project that aimed to elucidate the methylation profiles of leukemia patients and how specific epigenetic modifications might indicate cancer subtypes. As the conversation shifts towards aging, Dr. van Bömmel explains her research on DNA methylation trajectories in mouse models. This work unearthed unexpected patterns of abrupt changes in methylation that correspond to distinct life stages, reflecting the potential applicability of these findings in understanding human aging processes. Delving further into her innovative research, she introduces 'Methylizer,' a groundbreaking DNA methylation…

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## Transcript

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