The molecular mechanisms of heterochromatin establishment and maintenance

在这个研究项目中，我们试图更好地了解高阶染色质结构异染色质建立和维持的分子机制。本研究以裂殖酵母为模型生物，采用遗传筛选的方法，成功地鉴定了两个参与异染色质组装的新的RNAi因子Ers1和Dsh1。进一步的分析发现，这些因素在募集RNAi效应复合体(如RDRC)方面发挥了作用，并促进siRNA的产生形成更高级别的染色质结构。

In this research program, we tried to gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the establishment and maintenance of higher-order chromatin structure, heterochromatin. Using fission yeast as a model organism, we employed a genetic screening and successfully identified two novel RNAi factors, Ers1 and Dsh1, involved in heterochromatin assembly. Further analyses uncovered that these factors play roles in recruiting RNAi-effector complexes, such as RDRC, and promote siRNA production to form higher-order chromatin structure.