EvoBlueprint Lab
Gene regulatory networks, evolution & development
The EvoBlueprint Lab studies how gene regulatory networks encode mammalian development, and how evolutionary processes reshape these networks to create regulatory novelty and species-specific traits.
We bridge developmental biology, genomics and evolution to understand how genomes build complex organisms from a single cell.
How does a conserved developmental toolkit give rise to diverse mammalian forms? and what role does regulatory novelty play in this process We investigate these questions at the level of gene regulatory networks.
We study how developmental programs are encoded in gene regulatory networks that couple transcription factors, cis regulatory elements and chromatin states. By comparing these networks across mammals, we ask how small regulatory shifts can redirect developmental trajectories and create new phenotypes.
A large fraction of the genome is made of transposable element derived sequences. Many of these sequences have been co opted as promoters, enhancers and protein domains. We investigate how this rapidly evolving sequence space provides new regulatory inputs and helps rewire developmental circuits during embryogenesis.
We combine developmental models, stem cell systems and genomic analyses to understand how conserved processes such as gastrulation are implemented through species specific regulatory logic. This perspective links basic mechanisms of cell fate specification to broader questions in reproductive biology, evolution and disease.
EvoBlueprint is a new research group launching in May/April 2026 in the department of Developmental biology and Stem Cells at IGBMC close to Strasbourg in France. We are currently recruiting a PhD student and a postdoctoral researcher.
Principal Investigator
Olga Rosspopoff is a group leader whose work focuses on how regulatory novelty is integrated into developmental gene regulatory networks. She trained in Paris on the regulation of X chromosome inactivation, then in Lausanne on the biology of transposable elements and KRAB zinc finger proteins, with a focus on mammalian embryogenesis and genome regulation.
Her research combines comparative genomics, epigenomic profiling and stem cell based models of development to understand how non coding elements and fast evolving regulators shape early human development.
To be recruited
We are looking for postdoctoral researchers with strong interest in gene regulation, embryonic development or evolutionary genomics. Backgrounds in genomics, quantitative biology, computational biology or stem cell biology are particularly welcome.
To be recruited
PhD projects in the lab will span topics such as evolution of cis regulatory landscapes, roles of transposable element derived elements in early development and integration of multiomic data into gene regulatory network models.
Representative work that illustrates our trajectory from cell fate plasticity and
long non coding RNAs to transposable elements, KRAB zinc finger proteins and
evolutionary genomics.
# First authorship ; * corresponding authorship; † Last authorship
Current Opinion in Genetics & Development, 2025.
bioRxiv, 2025.
bioRxiv, 2025. Accepted in Cell reports.
Nature Genetics, 2023.
Trends in Genetics, 2023.
Biorxiv, 2025. Accepted in Nature Communications.
PNAS, 2025.
Cell genomics, 2024.
Cancer Research, 2024.
Science Advances, 2024.
Biorxiv, 2023.
Nucleic Acids Research, 2023.
Nature Communications, 2019.
Development, 2017.
Highlights from the lab, including publications, talks and community activities.
The EvoBlueprint Lab will open at IGBMC in Strasbourg Illkirch and starts building a research program on regulatory evolution during mammalian embryogenesis.
We look at the interplay between transposable elements and Zinc Finger Proteins [link]
Olga Rosspopoff receives competitive funding to establish an independent research group focused on the evolution of gene regulatory networks in development at IGBMC 🇫🇷
We are building an interdisciplinary team that enjoys thinking across levels, from molecular mechanisms to systems level regulatory logic.
Topics in the lab include evolution of cis regulatory landscapes, roles of transposable element derived regulatory elements and KRAB zinc finger proteins in embryogenesis, and integration of multiomic data into regulatory network models.
We offer a collaborative environment with access to advanced genomics and imaging platforms, mentoring tailored to individual career goals and opportunities to engage with internal and international collaborators in developmental and evolutionary biology.
We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds who are curious, rigorous and excited by open questions at the interface of development, evolution and genome regulation. Both experimental and computational profiles are encouraged to get in touch.
If you are interested in joining the lab or collaborating, feel free to reach out !
Email: olga.rosspopoff@icloud.com
If you are enquiring about positions, please include a brief motivation letter, a CV, a short description of your background and interests, and the contact details of three referees.
EvoBlueprint Lab @ IGBMC
Department of Developmental Biology and Stem Cells
Illkirch, near Strasbourg
France
[IGBMC Website]
Detailed directions and visitor information will be provided upon request.
