Establishment of chromatin states in the early embryo (B06)

• Subject Area: Cell Biology
• Term: from 2016 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 192904750

During gametogenesis, germ cells undergo profound chromatin reorganisation. We have discovered that maternal gametes transmit the epigenetic H3K27me3 histone modification to the next generation. However, it remains unclear how H3K27me3 domains are established on the paternal chromosomes. Thus, we propose to unravel how paternal chromosomes establish the repressive histone mark H3K27me3. We will characterise how the chromatin state affects the activation of the zygotic genome. Our investigations will reveal novel insights and ultimately may advance reproductive and regenerative medicine.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 992: Medical Epigenetics (MEDEP) - From Basic Mechanisms to Clinical Applications
• Applicant Institution: Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
• Co-Applicant Institution: Max-Planck-Institut für Immunbiologie und Epigenetik
• Project Head: Nicola Iovino, Ph.D.