The physics of epigenetics: autocatalyic droplets, cellular imprinting and kinetic proofreading

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Helmut Schiessel
• Subject Area: Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics ; Experimental and Theoretical Physics of Polymers
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 568995016

When cells divide into two copies, they must not only duplicate their DNA molecules. They must also restore the parent cell's epigenetic marks, half of which are lost during DNA duplication. We recently proposed a scenario in which chromatin segments with missing epigenetic marks induce biomolecular condensates that serve as fluid reaction containers for mark restoration. Here, we plan to study how this mechanism can achieve the required robustness and precision through kinetic proofreading and how it can be extended to describe the establishment and maintenance of cell-type-specific marks. Using computer simulations and theory, we aim to show that cellular memory relies on a combination of physical mechanisms, including polymer-induced condensation of autocatalytic droplets and kinetic proofreading within the network of reactions that restore the epigenetic marks.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: France
• Co-Investigators: Dr. Holger Merlitz; Professor Dr. Jens-Uwe Sommer
• Cooperation Partner: Dr. Ralf Blossey