I serve as Research Director at the Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, and as Director of Central Finland Biobank at the Wellbeing Services County of Central Finland. My main areas of expertise include scientific research, university teaching, and biobank management and development. My work connects basic and clinical research with the development of research infrastructures. Through my leadership of Central Finland Biobank, I promote the use of biological samples and associated health data in research and strengthen collaboration between universities, healthcare organizations, and other research partners.
My research focuses on understanding the biological and environmental factors that influence cancer development, with the ultimate goal of improving cancer prevention, early detection, and personalized risk assessment.
A major focus of my research is Lynch syndrome, a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome. We investigate how lifestyle factors, including physical activity, diet, and metabolic health, interact with inherited genetic susceptibility to influence cancer risk. By integrating circulating microRNAs, metabolomics, proteomics, immune cell profiling, and microbiome data, we aim to identify novel biomarkers and biological mechanisms associated with cancer susceptibility and progression. Our research combines molecular profiling with lifestyle assessments, clinical data, and longitudinal follow-up to develop more individualized approaches to cancer prevention and risk stratification.
Another key research area is the tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer (CRC), particularly the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). We investigate how fibroblast heterogeneity, stromal organization, metabolic conditions, and interactions with immune cells influence tumor progression, patient prognosis, and treatment response. Using molecular and spatial tissue analyses, we aim to better understand the complex interactions between cancer cells and their surrounding microenvironment.
Together, these research lines connect hereditary cancer susceptibility, lifestyle and systemic biology, and the tumor microenvironment, advancing our understanding of cancer development and supporting more effective strategies for cancer prevention and personalized care.
