Interchromosomal Interactions and Epigenetics
My research focuses on the spatial organization of the genome and its influence on gene expression. In order for gene expression to be tightly controlled, mechanisms must exist to ensure specificity in interactions of regulatory elements, particularly those of enhancers and promoters. Importantly, because of the dynamic three-dimensional organization of the nucleus, these interactions must be controlled both in cis along an individual chromosome and in trans between different molecules of DNA.
In Drosophila, stable interchromosomal contacts exist between maternal and paternal homologous chromosomes in all somatic cells, a phenomenon known as somatic pairing. Furthermore, this pairing permits trans-interactions between enhancers on one chromosome and promoters on another, providing an excellent genetic model for interchromosomal gene regulation.
My studies address nuclear organization and enhancer-promoter specificity through three general lines of investigation:
- The capacity of different enhancers and promoters to interact in cis and in trans
- The influence of chromosomal position and local genetic landscape on enhancer-promoter specificity in cis and trans
- The molecular mechanisms that initiate somatic pairing of homologous chromosomes
The goal of these studies is to better understand how specficity is acheived in the nucleus, and how interchromosomal interactions help to shape the nuclear landscape. More information can be found on my Research page.