Interbands: Epigenetic mechanisms of the formation of domains and boundaries on interphase chromosomes

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The domain organization of eukaryotic chromatin is an epigenetic phenomenon par excellence. This crucial organization of the interphase chromosome is inherited over cell generations and is seen as a pattern of bands and interbands on polytene chromosomes, which reproducibly form in different tissues and stages of development. The open chromatin of interbands is established by proteins with specific structural and enzymatic activities and is stabilized by elements insulating against influences of nearby condensed chromatin. The aim of the project is to study the mutual interaction of interband specific proteins and their role in establishing open chromatin structure. Their molecular functions in the formation of borders between chromosomal domains and in the formation of insulator elements shall be uncovered. We will establish a model site in the Drosophila genome which allows the exchange of DNA elements by site specific recombination. The role of interband proteins will be studied in the presence of specific mutations, following tissue specific overexpression and induction of RNA interference.