Genomic imprinting and the epigenetic control of genome function. (360G-Wellcome-095606_Z_11_Z)

Now that we know the sequence of our DNA which represents the code for all the proteins in our cells, it is important to understand how the DNA functions to encode these proteins. All our cells carry the same DNA that must be packaged into a DNA-protein structure called chromatin. The packaging of DNA into chromatin is a highly regulated process and is subtly different between different cells influencing, for example, how liver cells make liver proteins and muscle cells make muscle proteins. Som e parts of chromatin contain tightly packaged DNA and other parts, more loosely packaged DNA. Chemical flags called epigenetic marks are found on the DNA and associated proteins and influence the packaging of chromatin. We are interested in understanding how epigenetic marks are established and maintained and the extent to which they influence chromatin structure and function. This is not only important for understanding DNA regulation, but also it is important for understanding diseases such a s cancer and the normal aging process in which the normal chromatin becomes perturbed.