Roles of histone methylation reader proteins in cell fate

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Most of the cells in the body share the same genome or DNA sequence, yet they are able to carry out many distinct functions. This cell specialization depends on different sets of genes being turned on or off in different types of cells. This process, termed gene regulation, is also affected by how the genome is physically packaged. The DNA of the genome is wrapped around core particles called histone proteins to form a polymer called chromatin. The histone proteins are not merely structural scaffolds, but can be modified in different ways to help control how genes are turned on and off. Although many parts of the machinery that controls histone modifications, or `chromatin factors' have been identified, many outstanding questions remain. For example, the genome is large and contains tens of thousands of genes. How do chromatin factors identify their target genes? How do they work together or against each other in gene regulation? What makes them work differently in different types of cells? These questions are fundamental for understanding how a single cell develops into a mature organism and how improper control of this process can lead to diseases. To study these questions, we use a tiny worm that has proven to be a valuable research tool. It has a smaller genome, a simple, well-defined body plan, and many of its chromatin factors work in similar ways to other animals, including humans. Our broad objective is to identify new chromatin factors and to find where they bind in the genome, how they interact with each other, and how gene expression is affected when they are mutated. This work and the new tools that we develop will be beneficial for understanding gene regulation and animal development. In addition, the knowledge gained in these studies can be harnessed for future innovations in stem cell-based technologies.