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

Dosage compensation in Drosophila involves the selective targeting of active genes on the male chromosome by a ribonucleoprotein dosage compensation complex (DCC). We aim to understand the events involved in recognition and targeting of the X and the distribution of the DCC onto active genes. We will develop strategies to resolve the timing and order with which individual DCC subunits encounter DNA, RNA and protein interactors during the establishment of the dosage-compensated X chromosomal territory. One focus will be to explore the role of non-coding roX RNA, prominent but mysterious subunits of the DCC, by in vitro and in vivo strategies. We strive to become more quantitative in our analyses, as we are convinced that knowing the concentrations of molecules and their mutual affinities is crucial to understanding how structures assemble in a dynamic nuclear environment characterised by biochemical equilibria.

Researcher involved:

• Prof. Dr. Peter B. Becker
• Mr. Christian Feller
• Dr. Sylvain Maenner
• Dr. Marisa Müller
• Dr. Catherine Regnard
• Ms. Sarah Schunter
• Dr. Tobias Straub
• Dr. Raffaella Villa
• Ms Angelika Zabel