Mechanisms and functions of chromatin dynamics
The last ~ 15 years have shown that histone modifications, histone variants, nucleosome remodeling, nonhistone proteins, chromatin fiber looping and nuclear organization represent different levels of a coherent regulatory network. A critical challenge of molecular biology is to understand how this incredibly complex packaging of the genome is involved in regulating its function. We study how the organization of the genome impacts key activities in the nucleus and how changes of this organization are achieved and controlled at the molecular level.
In particular, we explore how DNA is packaged into specific types of chromatin during and following DNA replication and what happens, if this process is perturbed. We identify factors that are involved in these processes and explore their mechanisms of action. Our work identified ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling factors as key factors of the chromatin replication process. We study how these enzymes are involved to ensure epigenomic and genomic stability and examine their role in healthy ageing.
We have several specific interests:
- Dynamics of Epigenetic Regulators for Chromatin Replication
- New methods for systems approaches for analyzing nuclear function
- Function and mechanisms of ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling factors
- The role of chromatin dynamics in development, health and disease
CONTACT US
Patrick Varga-Weisz
Tel: (01223) 496434
Email: patrick.varga-weisz@babraham.ac.uk
The Babraham Institute
Babraham Research Campus
Cambridge, CB22 3AT
United Kingdom
Updated 22 August, 2011