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

We use the mouse embryo as a model system to understand the epigenetic mechanisms behind cellular potency and cell fate. The dynamic interplay and the possible causal relationship between epigenetic modifiers and the transcription factors responsible for lineage allocation are not known. In order to understand how lineage commitment is progressively determined during early embryogenesis it is essential to understand both, the dynamic epigenetic properties of the embryo as well as the dynamics of activation of the transcription factors involved in lineage allocation. Our aim is to generate a mathematical model that will predict cell fate decisions driven by epigenetic modifiers and to establish their interrelation in the activation of key transcription factors.

People involved:

• Adam Burton
• Andre Eid
• Joanna Jachowicz
• Yusuke Miyanari