Martin Howard
Martin is an Honorary Group Leader, currently based at the John Innes Centre. He is working with Group Leaders in the Epigenetics Programme. The Howard group combines simple, predictive mathematical modelling with long-lasting experimental collaborations, to dissect biological mechanisms too complex to unravel by experiments alone. In many cases we are able rationalise complex biological dynamics into simple underlying mechanisms, with few components and interactions.
Our approach is highly interdisciplinary and relies heavily on the techniques of statistical physics and applied mathematics, as well as on close collaboration with experimental groups. This truly interdisciplinary approach allows us to get to the heart of biological mechanisms more speedily.
At present the main focus of the group is epigenetic dynamics, probing how epigenetic memory states are set up and then stably maintained. In this context, we work with both histone modification memory systems, as well as on DNA methylation, collaborating with experimentalists in systems ranging from plants to mammalian stem cells. A particular focus has been the Polycomb epigenetic system, where we have proposed an all-or-nothing epigenetic switching mechanism, with epigenetic gene silencing directly antagonised by transcription. Overall, as epigenetic systems are central to ageing and health, understanding how they work at a fundamental level is of vital importance.
Latest Publications
Noncoding SNPs influence a distinct phase of Polycomb silencing to destabilize long-term epigenetic memory at . Genes & development, 34, 5-6, 01 03 2020
DOI:
10.1101/gad.333245.119
|
|
Distinct phases of Polycomb silencing to hold epigenetic memory of cold in . Science (New York, N.Y.), 357, 6356, 15 09 2017
DOI:
10.1126/science.aan1121
|
|
Slow Chromatin Dynamics Allow Polycomb Target Genes to Filter Fluctuations in Transcription Factor Activity. Cell systems, 4, 4, 26 04 2017
DOI:
10.1016/j.cels.2017.02.013
|