The basic composition of mammalian heterochromatin (A01)

• Subject Area: Cell Biology
• Term: since 2012
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 192904750

Deregulation of most heterochromatin core components has been linked to complex human disorders that display a strong epigenetic contribution. We will reconstruct heterochromatin by insertion of repeat elements into inert genomic regions. In addition, the transcriptional response of repeat-rich heterochromatin by epigenetic inhibition of chromatin-modifying enzymes will be investigated. Together, these approaches will provide new insights into the genome-wide profile and adaptability of mammalian heterochromatin, as it will be relevant for normal and perturbed development.

• 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: Professor Dr. Thomas Jenuwein