Whole genome profiling to identify the direct targets of plant Polycomb-group proteins

• Applicant: Dr. Oliver Clarenz
• Subject Area: Plant Physiology
• Term: from 2006 to 2009
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 29140982

The methylation of histones catalysed by Polycomb-group (Pc-G) proteins plays a central role during the development of plants and animals. Arabidopsis encodes three homologous proteins of the Drosophila histone methyltransferase Enhancer of Zeste, MEDEA (MEA) , CURLY LEAF (CLF) and SWINGER (SWN). MEA acts early during seed development wheras CLF and SWN act redundantly later during development in the histone methylation of target genes. Only very few Pc-G target genes have been identified in plants and it is not known how specific targets are selected for Pc-G inactivation. The aim of this proposal is to exploit recent advances in Arabidopsis genomics resources to define globally Pc-G targets. I will combine the experimental approaches of chromatin immuno precipitation and whole genome tiling arrays (WGAs). This research will be important for understanding how epigenetic changes affect development, and eventually for manipulation of key economic traits.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: United Kingdom
• Host: Dr. Justin Gooderich