How do histones regulate gene expression?
One of the key questions in biology is how genes are switched on and off in a regulated manner. Differences in gene expression patterns drive the process of cell differentiation, which results in cells that look and behave in radically different ways even though they contain exactly the same genome. Proper control of gene expression is critical for normal development, and altered gene regulation is a hallmark of a number of human diseases including cancers. This project will investigate how the chromosomal packaging of DNA by histones regulates gene expression. The successful applicant will learn a wide range of biochemical, genetic and genomic techniques and will have the opportunity to carry out whole-genome analysis of chromatin structure. Because of the high level of conservation of histones, initial analyses will be carried out using the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae but the project may also be extended to mammalian systems.
