An ambitious EC-funded research initiative on epigenetics advancing towards systems biology

Epigenetic regulation is involved in the regulation of development and morphology, in defence against intruding DNA and RNA molecules, and in genome stabilisation. It contributes significantly to diversity in gene expression. Like genetic variation, epigenetic diversity is expected to contribute to the adaptation potential and fitness of organisms.
Our group is interested in the interplay between genetic and epigenetic changes, in epigenetic diversity in polyploid plants, in different ecotypes and after exposure to abiotic stress. Using the model plant Arabidopsis, we investigate chromatin, gene expression, recombination, inheritance and natural variation with genetic, cytological and molecular methods, using mutants, reporter genes, chromatin analysis, flow sorting, fluorescence in situ hybridisation, defined stress treatments, specific and genome-wide expression assays and bioinformatic approaches.

Peoples involved:

• Marie-Luise Zielinski, postdoc
• Branislav Kusenda, postdoc
• Riccardo Aiese Cigliano, postdoc
• Ruben Gutzat, postdoc Vanja Cavrak, PhD student
• Laura Sedman, PhD student
• Marisa Rosa, PhD student
• Huy Quang Dinh, PhD student
• Jasmin Bassler, PhD student
• Nicole Lettner, technician