Regulation of gene expression by a synthetic bivalent chromatin domain in embryonic stem cells

The development of every cell type in the body begins with differentiation of embryonic stem cells. In activating the specific sets of genes required for each cell type, embryonic stem cells employ a layer of regulation that is called epigenetics. Several epigenetic factors are active at regulatory regions called bivalent domains. In this project, we are generating novel tools to test the hypothesis that the complex interplay of many of these factors determines the correct activation of genes during development. Understanding these processes will help developing new approaches to regenerative medicine and cancer treatment.