MAREK BARTOSOVIC
Single-cell epigenomics: From methods development towards insights into epigenetic mechanism, neurodevelopment and human genetics
Olle Engkvists Stiftelse
Cells in our bodies can perform very different functions, but they all share the same genetic information. This genetic information is inherited from our parents in the form of DNA.
During the development of the human body genes encoded in the DNA are constantly switched on and off and it is extremely important that this happens precisely at the right place and at the right time. This is inter alia ensured through histone proteins binding to the DNA.
Marek Bartosovic and his research group has recently developed a new technology to measure histone modifications with unprecedented accuracy in individual cells, and thousands of cells at the same time. Thanks to this kind of measurement, it is now possible to better describe the regulation of how genes are turned on and off in highly dynamic and complex organs such as the brain.
In this project the technology will be further developed to enable a more detailed description of the regulation of genes during brain development. The research is expected to gain novel insights both into normal human brain development and into what happens when it goes wrong and neurodevelopmental disorders occur.
Photo: Jose Ramon Barcenas-Walls
