The genetic material in the nucleus of eukaryotic organisms is organized into chromatin, which consists of DNA packaged with characteristic proteins, the histones. Some regions of the genome are expressed, whereas others are permanently repressed or silenced. Such differences in gene expression are controlled, among others, by posttranslational histone modifications, so that different regions of the genome contain distinct patterns of modifications. What happens to the modifications when the chromatin is duplicated after DNA replication? In this project, we found that factors that assemble chromatin after replication contribute to the reestablishment of modification patterns via their interaction with histone modifying enzymes. Thus, the modifications were reset in a timely fashion after chromatin assembly. Due to these mechanisms, cells ensure that not only the genetic, but also the epigenetic information is faithfully passed on to the daughter cells.

Prof. Dr. Ann Elizabeth Ehrenhofer-Murray
Zentrum für Medizinische Biotechnologie
Abteilung für Genetik
Universität Duisburg-Essen
Universitätsstr. 5
45117 Essen, Germany

Phone: +49-201-183 4132
Fax: +49-201-183 4397

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