Chromatin Dynamics As A Driver Of Disease Initiation And Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
Epigenetic programming ensures that the right genes are expressed in the right amount, in the right cell type at the right time. Our OVERALL AIM is to identify how this programming is altered in certain cancers and dementias and to determine whether this is a cause or driver of disease. This study has great potential to identify the epigenetic marks that will be the best targets for new therapies.
Nuclear architecture is critical to the preservation of genome integrity. The aim of this research proposal is to delineate the role of chromatin organisation in transcription factor target search and damage site recruitment of DNA repair factor machinery. To achieve this I have developed fluorescence microscopy methods to monitor changes in chromatin structure with submicron resolution. Only with this technology can I determine how chromatin dynamics maintain genome integrity or induce disease.
Screening And Characterisation Of Mammalian Epigenetic Modifiers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,143.00
Summary
All the information to form an adult is contained in the DNA of the fertilized egg. Development is achieved by turning genes on and off, controlled by proteins called epigenetic modifiers. Sometimes this fails, leading to disease. Despite their vital role, we have data on just 20% of the potential epigenetic modifiers in humans. I will use novel screen-based technology to find hundreds more, to enable us and others to characterise the role of epigenetics in normal development and disease.