Research & Initiatives

        One of the defining features of the eukaryotic genome is the astonishing complexity of its hierarchical organization. Chromatin is organized at various levels as

​

(i) a linear genome comprising the DNA sequence of protein-coding and non-coding regions

​

(ii) an epigenome appearing as decorations on the linear DNA, such as methylation, histone modifications, scaffolding proteins, and transcription factors

​

(iii) Three-dimensional spatial organization, bringing distant regions of the chromosomes together to act in a synchronized manner 

​

(iv) the fourth dimension, adding "time" as a variable of how all other dimensions are modified with time during the process of development, aging and disease.

​

           This organization is crucial for regulating genome functions such as transcription, replication, maintenance, and recombination, which form the basis for organismal development, maturation, immune response, and aging. Our team will explore how nuclear organization and chromosomal interactions are important for regulation of cellular processes and how they are perturbed during physiological and pathological conditions. In order to answer our questions, we will be pursuing a multi-disciplinary approach integrating data from Chromosome-Conformation-Capture (NGS) sequencing technologies, genome engineering as well as in silico, in vitro and in vivo analyses.