Epigenetic control of gene expression
Epigenetics
Epigenetics encompasses a variety of highly conserved molecular mechanisms that provide an additional layer of information superimposed on the genetic code. Epigenetic repression of transcription also plays an essential role in suppressing the activity of transposable elements, which could have deleterious effects on the host organism. This transcriptional repression can bring endogenous genes under epigenetic control when transposons integrate in their vicinity. This type of regulation of gene expression is very general and has been observed in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
While there are some reports proposing a tissue specific epigenetic code in plants this has so far not been investigated systematically. This research project will give fundamental insights into the mechanisms of epigenetic coordination of development and the role of transposons in this process.
Research topics
- Epigenetics
- Transposons
- Regulation of tissue specific gene expression
Interdisciplinary
- Genomics
- Bioinformatics
