- Department
- Email Address
- [email protected]
- Research Areas
- Research Keywords
- Research Description
We are studying how chromatin structure regulates gene expression. Our focus is on the transmission and preservation of chromatin structure to daughter cells. This topic is central in a branch of modern genetics called epigenetics. Our research is relevant to the fields of development and various disorders, including cancer.
- Research Summary
We use the budding yeast S.cerevisiae as a model organism to ask how established chromatin structure is preserved or changed during repetitive rounds of DNA replication, and how these structures are transmitted to daughter cells. We study the activity of chromatin factors that are highly conserved in all eukaryotes. Our specific focus is on cell-to-cell variations in gene expression. Most of these variations are mediated by chromatin. We know little about the mechanisms that confer these changes.
- Techniques Used
Yeast and E.coli culture, fluorescent microscopy, FACS, DNA cloning, reporter enzyme activity assays, in vitro expression of proteins and analysis, ChIP (Chromatin Immunoprecipitation), immunoprecipitation.
- Lab Equipment
Various basic lab equipment, shakers and incubators, a sonicator, a micromanipulator.
- Locations of international collaborators
Japan, France, Switzerland.
- Links