Johan Holmberg

Johan Holmberg serves as Professor and Deputy Head of the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University, Sweden, where his laboratory investigates molecular mechanisms underlying neuroblastoma (a pediatric solid tumor) and neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease. His dual research focus bridges cancer biology and neuroscience through epigenetic and transcriptional regulation studies.

His primary research areas explore (1) the functional role of HIF2α in neuroblastoma progression, particularly its relationship with MYCN oncogene activity and potential tumor-suppressive functions during differentiation therapy, and (2) PRC2-mediated epigenetic repression in maintaining dopaminergic and serotonergic neuronal identity during aging and disease. This work integrates transgenic mouse models with human neuronal systems to address fundamental questions about cellular identity maintenance in sporadic neurological disorders.

Analysis of his publication record reveals consistent emphasis on molecular oncology and neuronal epigenetics, with recent work highlighting chromosomal abnormalities in neuroblastoma, hypoxia signaling pathways, and chromatin-based mechanisms of neuronal stability. His findings have direct implications for developing targeted therapies for childhood cancers and neurodegenerative conditions.

Scientific recognition includes:

• StratNeuro grant for Parkinson's-related research

Professor Holmberg secures competitive external funding from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, Swedish Cancer Society, Hjärnfonden, and Swedish Research Council. His research group employs multidisciplinary approaches combining molecular genetics, epigenomics, and in vivo modeling to translate basic discoveries into clinical applications for neuroblastoma treatment and neurodegenerative disease intervention.

The laboratory operates within Umeå University's Department of Molecular Biology, utilizing advanced techniques in chromatin analysis, neuronal differentiation, and cancer genomics to investigate how epigenetic mechanisms govern cell identity in health and disease.