How do transcription factors control cell fate transitions? The aim of this project is to determine how transcription factors control cellular identity, which is relevant to many biological processes including embryogenesis, cellular reprogramming and differentiation. Innovative genomic tools will be combined with various in vitro cellular conversion systems to generate fundamental mechanistic insight into how transcription factors mediate these identity changes. The knowledge gained from this w ....How do transcription factors control cell fate transitions? The aim of this project is to determine how transcription factors control cellular identity, which is relevant to many biological processes including embryogenesis, cellular reprogramming and differentiation. Innovative genomic tools will be combined with various in vitro cellular conversion systems to generate fundamental mechanistic insight into how transcription factors mediate these identity changes. The knowledge gained from this work will allow us to answer standing fundamental questions in regards to cell fate control and the biochemistry of transcription factors, which in turn will aid in the development of novel gene regulation technologies applicable to a myriad of fields and industries.Read moreRead less
Unveiling the epigenome dynamics through the pluripotency continuum. This project aims to utilise stem cells and genomics based technologies, in combination with new computational algorithms to dissect the fundamental molecular events that drive the first steps during development. The project is expected to unveil the basic mechanisms underpinning how genes driving the developmental master plan are controlled in cells that have the capacity to give rise to the whole organism and placenta. The kn ....Unveiling the epigenome dynamics through the pluripotency continuum. This project aims to utilise stem cells and genomics based technologies, in combination with new computational algorithms to dissect the fundamental molecular events that drive the first steps during development. The project is expected to unveil the basic mechanisms underpinning how genes driving the developmental master plan are controlled in cells that have the capacity to give rise to the whole organism and placenta. The knowledge gained from this work will inform and guide future novel approaches, such as in assisted reproductive technologies or regenerative medicine.Read moreRead less
Demographic and evolutionary inferences from large, whole-genome datasets. A new data structure for genome-wide datasets has allowed great improvements in the efficiency of genomic data storage and in population genomics simulations, which are crucial to developing and testing mathematical models of population history and species evolution. We will take these advances in new directions, using efficient data structures to dramatically improve inferences about: the demographic histories of popul .... Demographic and evolutionary inferences from large, whole-genome datasets. A new data structure for genome-wide datasets has allowed great improvements in the efficiency of genomic data storage and in population genomics simulations, which are crucial to developing and testing mathematical models of population history and species evolution. We will take these advances in new directions, using efficient data structures to dramatically improve inferences about: the demographic histories of populations, rates of genome change, and phylogenetic networks, and we will develop the first inference methods for the multispecies coalescent with recombination. Outcomes will include advances in understanding the evolutionary histories of humans and other species, including pathogens of importance for global health.Read moreRead less