Ditte Skovaa Andersen

Ditte Skovaa Andersen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Copenhagen, specializing in Cell and Neurobiology. Her research focuses on intestinal stem cell biology and inter-organ communication using Drosophila as a model system. She leads research examining how the gut interfaces with the external environment and communicates with other organs to maintain organismal health.

Her primary research interests include intestinal stem cell physiology, gut-derived signaling in nutrient sensing and metabolism, and the role of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) signaling in intestinal homeostasis and disease. Her work uses Drosophila genetics to identify novel intra- and inter-organ circuitries that control intestinal homeostasis and regeneration.

Her most recent publications (2021-2025) reveal a strong focus on TNF signaling pathways in Drosophila, gut-immunity interactions, tissue regeneration mechanisms, and metabolic regulation. These studies have significant implications for understanding human gastrointestinal diseases including inflammatory bowel disease and metabolic disorders.

Andersen collaborates extensively with J. Colombani and other researchers across multiple institutions. Her work appears in high-impact journals including Nature Communications, Science Advances, and PLOS Biology, demonstrating significant contributions to understanding stem cell biology and inter-organ communication.

She leads the Andersen-Colombani Lab which utilizes functional genomic approaches including RNAi screens to identify secreted peptides and receptors controlling intestinal homeostasis. Her research has established Drosophila as a powerful model for studying complex signaling pathways relevant to human gastrointestinal health and disease.