Role and function of histone methylation in epigenetic control of gene expression

• Applicant: Tilman Sánchez-Elsner, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Cell Biology
• Term: from 2003 to 2006
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5400936

It is the long-term objective of the proposed project to decipher the role and function of histone methylation for epigenetic regulation of gene expression. As a model we will use the fruit fly Drosophila, which is amenable to the biochemical and genetic manipulations necessary to dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying regulation of transcription by histone methylation. The specific aims for the fellowship period are: Aim 1: To reconstitute regulation of transcription by histone methylation in vitro. I plan to establish and use reconstituted chromatin-dependent in vitro transcription systems to dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying regulation of transcription by histone methylation. Aim 2: To elucidate the mechanisms underlying transcriptional regulation by histone methylation. I plan to identify and functionally characterize proteins that specifically bind histones that prior have been methylated by ASH1 or Trr. Aim 3: To study histone methylation in the context of the cell. Aim 3A: I shall use chromatin immunoprecipitation assays to link histone methylation by Trr with transcriptional regulation in vivo. Aim 3B: In addition, I shall use antibodies to visualize histone methylation by ASH1 and Trr in the context of the nucleus using "fluorescence resonance energy transfer" (FRET).

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Cooperation Partner: Dr. Frank Sauer