Epigenetics
We work on the functional roles of three-dimensional (3D) chromosomal architecture. To show that 3D-chromosome folding is much more than packing of long chromosomes into tiny nuclei, we are using both, state-of-the-art molecular techniques such as Hi-C and classic genetics approaches.
Our interest focuses on the interplay of the different genome organization levels, especially the relationship between the 3D-genome and the two other organizational levels, the DNA sequence and the epigenome. We are intrigued by the possibility that 3D-chromatin folding may contain information and, hence, may exert an important biological function in both, micro-scale cellular mechanisms and, macro-scale evolution.
As for micro-scale processes, a specific 3D-chromatin structure, termed the KNOT is involved in the genome’s immune system. The KNOT is formed by tight 3D contacts among ten KNOT Entangled Elements (KEEs), which are enriched in both transposable elements and associated small RNAs. Our current research aims at investigating the underlying mechanisms required to form the KNOT. Thereby, we expect to reveal important factors regulating 3D-genome architecture.
Dr. Stefan Grob
University of Zurich
Department of Plant and Microbial Biology
8008 Zurich
Tel: +41 44 644 8250