题目：Understanding the principles of DNA methylation; insights from oocytes and epigenomics

报告人：Gavin Kelsey, Ph.D.

Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK

时间：2015-3-5（周四），13:00-14:00pm

地点：北京大学邓祐才报告厅

联系人：汤富酬

Epigenetic mechanisms are fundamental for the orderly regulation of gene expression throughout the life-course, providing a critical memory of earlier decisions. They can provide resilience against environmental change, but also allow adaptation. Nowhere is this more important than in the gamete and the early embryo. We are seeking to understand how DNA methylation is patterned during gametogenesis and embryogenesis, and how the normal pattern could be disturbed. Focussing on the oocyte, and using mouse as a model, we have shown that transcription is the major determinant of the DNA methylation landscape. This finding leads to the important insight that transcription promotes DNA methylation by creating a chromatin landscape permissive for the de novo methylation machinery. We are testing this model by profiling histone modifications and examining the role of candidate histone modifying factors on DNA methylation. Key to such studies is the development of methods for genome-wide profiling of epigenetic marks in low numbers of cells, including at the single-cell level, which could have application widely in epigenetic studies, particularly of rare cell types.