Characterisation of a novel NANOG / KDM4B complex to regulate heterochromatin function and chromosome stability in pluripotent stem cells
Lead Research Organisation:
Babraham Institute
Department Name: Epigenetics
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells (PSC) are unspecialised cells that can form any cell type of the body. There is currently much hope that PSC could be used for cell-based therapies for the treatment of diseases, replacement for worn out tissues as we age, and for better understanding of human development, but there are still several hurdles that must be overcome before these goals are achieved. One of the hurdles is the appearance of genetic instability, and in particular the accumulation of too many chromosomes, that can affect PSC. How these unwanted changes arise remains poorly understood, but scientists are trying to prevent the changes from occurring in order to produce safer and better quality PSC.
We have chosen to study an exciting and mysterious part of our genome called constitutive heterochromatin. In many different cell types, heterochromatin is important for key cellular processes, including the maintenance of genetic stability and control of chromosome number, although it has been relatively poorly studied in PSC so far. In our recent work, we have identified a new pathway through which heterochromatin is controlled in PSC. Unexpectedly, this new pathway uses several well-known stem cell factors but we are now able to assign new functions to them. Importantly, we when use genetic tricks to prevent these factors from functioning in PSC, it leads to defects in heterochromatin organisation, to the associated loss of genetic stability, and to the accumulation of additional chromosomes in the cells. This unanticipated connection between stem cell factors, heterochromatin organisation and the control of chromosome stability is important because it could provide an explanation for how genetic changes appear in PSC and would potentially allow researchers to prevent this from occurring.
Our research has led us to form the hypothesis that heterochromatin is involved directly in the genetic instability of PSC. The overall aim in this research proposal, therefore, is to determine how heterochromatin is controlled in PSC, and what happens when this level of control goes wrong. We have carefully planned three main objectives to test our hypothesis.
The first objective is to define how the stem cell factors control heterochromatin in PSC. Our research strongly suggests the involvement of an additional factor, KDM4B, and so we would like to examine this factor in more detail. We will achieve this by asking whether KDM4B localises to heterochromatin in PSC, and then measure what happens to heterochromatin when we remove Kdm4b from PSC. We predict that heterochromatin will show defects and possibly the appearance of chromosome instability in the PSC.
The second objective is to investigate how defects in heterochromatin lead to chromosome instability in PSC. Previous research from many laboratories has shown that the particular signals that mark and define heterochromatin are required to prevent genetic instability, and we want to take this forward by investigating how these signals are controlled in PSC, especially in light of the new mode of heterochromatin regulation that we have now identified.
The third objective is to use the knowledge that we generate to improve the quality and genetic stability of PSC so that we can remove one of the current hurdles to future applications. We anticipate that if we can understand how heterochromatin organisation is connected to chromosome instability in PSC, then we can, in future, devise ways to prevent this from happening. Understanding the detailed mechanism of how this occurs may lead to improved use of stem cells for regenerative medicine. This knowledge is also important in research outside of PSC, especially in ageing and cancer for example, where the normal process of heterochromatin regulation is disrupted. By better understanding how heterochromatin is controlled in general, we may be able to develop strategies to detect early changes and also to prevent them from happening.
We have chosen to study an exciting and mysterious part of our genome called constitutive heterochromatin. In many different cell types, heterochromatin is important for key cellular processes, including the maintenance of genetic stability and control of chromosome number, although it has been relatively poorly studied in PSC so far. In our recent work, we have identified a new pathway through which heterochromatin is controlled in PSC. Unexpectedly, this new pathway uses several well-known stem cell factors but we are now able to assign new functions to them. Importantly, we when use genetic tricks to prevent these factors from functioning in PSC, it leads to defects in heterochromatin organisation, to the associated loss of genetic stability, and to the accumulation of additional chromosomes in the cells. This unanticipated connection between stem cell factors, heterochromatin organisation and the control of chromosome stability is important because it could provide an explanation for how genetic changes appear in PSC and would potentially allow researchers to prevent this from occurring.
Our research has led us to form the hypothesis that heterochromatin is involved directly in the genetic instability of PSC. The overall aim in this research proposal, therefore, is to determine how heterochromatin is controlled in PSC, and what happens when this level of control goes wrong. We have carefully planned three main objectives to test our hypothesis.
The first objective is to define how the stem cell factors control heterochromatin in PSC. Our research strongly suggests the involvement of an additional factor, KDM4B, and so we would like to examine this factor in more detail. We will achieve this by asking whether KDM4B localises to heterochromatin in PSC, and then measure what happens to heterochromatin when we remove Kdm4b from PSC. We predict that heterochromatin will show defects and possibly the appearance of chromosome instability in the PSC.
The second objective is to investigate how defects in heterochromatin lead to chromosome instability in PSC. Previous research from many laboratories has shown that the particular signals that mark and define heterochromatin are required to prevent genetic instability, and we want to take this forward by investigating how these signals are controlled in PSC, especially in light of the new mode of heterochromatin regulation that we have now identified.
The third objective is to use the knowledge that we generate to improve the quality and genetic stability of PSC so that we can remove one of the current hurdles to future applications. We anticipate that if we can understand how heterochromatin organisation is connected to chromosome instability in PSC, then we can, in future, devise ways to prevent this from happening. Understanding the detailed mechanism of how this occurs may lead to improved use of stem cells for regenerative medicine. This knowledge is also important in research outside of PSC, especially in ageing and cancer for example, where the normal process of heterochromatin regulation is disrupted. By better understanding how heterochromatin is controlled in general, we may be able to develop strategies to detect early changes and also to prevent them from happening.
Technical Summary
Despite the promise of pluripotent stem cells (PSC), one key concern with the technology is chromosome instability. We propose that an important and unexplored driver of chromosome instability in PSC is aberrant regulation of constitutive heterochromatin domains, including pericentromeric heterochromatin (PCH), which can impact centromere function. In our recent work we have shown that the pluripotency factors Nanog and Sall1 are necessary and sufficient for PCH organisation in mouse PSC. These effects are mediated directly through the epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of major satellite DNA repeats within PCH. Deletion of Nanog or Sall1 leads to mis-regulation of PCH function and to associated chromosome segregation defects and the acquisition of karyotype abnormalities in PSC. These results establish the first direct molecular connection between the pluripotency network and chromatin organisation in PSC, and lead to the conclusion that a distinct PCH identity could have an important role in maintaining chromosome stability in PSC. We now aim to understand more about the involvement of other key co-regulators, and ascertain how they influence chromosome stability in PSC and upon cell reprogramming. Based on our protein-interaction data and the observed changes in H3K9me3 levels, we propose that the H3K9me3-demethylase KDM4B functions together with NANOG / SALL1 to balance H3K9me3 levels at major satellite repeats in PSC, thereby reinforcing the chromatin identity at PCH domains. Through these mechanisms, we suggest that maintaining PCH and centromeric organisation is important to prevent the loss of centromere function and to protect against chromosome mis-segregation that can occur in PSC and upon cellular reprogramming. We will test these hypotheses, anticipating that we will define a new molecular pathway controlling heterochromatin state and chromosome stability in PSC and provide insights to improve reprogramming to a more genetically stable cell type.
Planned Impact
The primary impact of our research will come from the advancement of knowledge in mechanisms of genetic stability of pluripotent stem cells, related to regulation of chromatin organisation and chromosome segregation (see Academic Beneficiaries).
Impacts on other stakeholders:
We will contribute to the successful delivery of BBSRC's mission. Our research falls centrally within Strategic Research Priority 3: Bioscience for Health. Specifically:
(i) "Generate new knowledge of the biological mechanisms of development and the maintenance of health across the lifecourse" which we address by examining the role of chromatin organisation in regulating the genetic stability of stem cells and early embryo cell types, and in doing so reveal potential mechanisms relevant to other cell types where heterochromatin is mis-regulated such as during normal ageing.
(ii) "The identification of critical periods during the lifespan which may be particularly susceptible to biological influences/exposures and could potentially inform on the timings of interventions", which we address by examining the hypothesis that early embryo cell types, modeled by pluripotent cells in the first instance, are particularly vulnerable to chromatin perturbation with lasting consequences on chromosome stability.
(iii) "Generating new knowledge to advance regenerative biology, including stem cell research", which we address by investigating the underlying causes of chromosome instability in pluripotent stem cells and taking initial steps towards improving the efficiency and stability of cell reprogramming.
Other relevant areas map to:
(i) 'The 3Rs in research using animals', which we address by using pluripotent stem cells as a means to understand early mammalian development.
(ii) Grand Challenge 3, specifically: "basic molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for longevity or premature ageing (e.g. triggers of cellular senescence, damage) and how these are modulated by ... developmental factors", which we address by examining the molecular pathways that could lead to genetic instability, with links to developmental transcription factors and epigenetic regulators.
Industry: Knowledge gained through this research could generate important intellectual property, which could be commercialised and exploited leading in the longer term to wealth creation in the UK. In particular, identification of genetic and epigenetic factors that increase the efficiency and stability of cell reprogramming could lead to the improved development of reprogramming reagents, which would be desirable for companies that sell reprogramming products.
In the longer term, the health-care sector, charities and patients. In particular, the research has the potential to generate safer and more stable cell types for regenerative medicine. More broadly, our research will identify pathways that potentially regulate processes involved in disease and ageing, where heterochromatin mis-regulation is an important but poorly understood process. For example, KDM4B is a current anti-cancer target, but little is known about how it functions.
Training: This project will provide professional development for the PI and PDRA in new scientific skills in growth areas (e.g. reprogramming technologies). It will build on Novo's excellent organisational and experimental skills, providing training for her future contribution to UK science.
Science and society: We will contribute to STEM understanding through our public engagement activities. Novo and Rugg-Gunn have been STEM Ambassadors for several years, communicating their knowledge and enthusiasm to the next generation of scientists and informing interested adults through activities such as science exhibitions and science visits to schools and local community groups. These activities are important for informing the public debate about specific areas of research related to this project, e.g. the benefits and challenges of stem cell research.
Impacts on other stakeholders:
We will contribute to the successful delivery of BBSRC's mission. Our research falls centrally within Strategic Research Priority 3: Bioscience for Health. Specifically:
(i) "Generate new knowledge of the biological mechanisms of development and the maintenance of health across the lifecourse" which we address by examining the role of chromatin organisation in regulating the genetic stability of stem cells and early embryo cell types, and in doing so reveal potential mechanisms relevant to other cell types where heterochromatin is mis-regulated such as during normal ageing.
(ii) "The identification of critical periods during the lifespan which may be particularly susceptible to biological influences/exposures and could potentially inform on the timings of interventions", which we address by examining the hypothesis that early embryo cell types, modeled by pluripotent cells in the first instance, are particularly vulnerable to chromatin perturbation with lasting consequences on chromosome stability.
(iii) "Generating new knowledge to advance regenerative biology, including stem cell research", which we address by investigating the underlying causes of chromosome instability in pluripotent stem cells and taking initial steps towards improving the efficiency and stability of cell reprogramming.
Other relevant areas map to:
(i) 'The 3Rs in research using animals', which we address by using pluripotent stem cells as a means to understand early mammalian development.
(ii) Grand Challenge 3, specifically: "basic molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for longevity or premature ageing (e.g. triggers of cellular senescence, damage) and how these are modulated by ... developmental factors", which we address by examining the molecular pathways that could lead to genetic instability, with links to developmental transcription factors and epigenetic regulators.
Industry: Knowledge gained through this research could generate important intellectual property, which could be commercialised and exploited leading in the longer term to wealth creation in the UK. In particular, identification of genetic and epigenetic factors that increase the efficiency and stability of cell reprogramming could lead to the improved development of reprogramming reagents, which would be desirable for companies that sell reprogramming products.
In the longer term, the health-care sector, charities and patients. In particular, the research has the potential to generate safer and more stable cell types for regenerative medicine. More broadly, our research will identify pathways that potentially regulate processes involved in disease and ageing, where heterochromatin mis-regulation is an important but poorly understood process. For example, KDM4B is a current anti-cancer target, but little is known about how it functions.
Training: This project will provide professional development for the PI and PDRA in new scientific skills in growth areas (e.g. reprogramming technologies). It will build on Novo's excellent organisational and experimental skills, providing training for her future contribution to UK science.
Science and society: We will contribute to STEM understanding through our public engagement activities. Novo and Rugg-Gunn have been STEM Ambassadors for several years, communicating their knowledge and enthusiasm to the next generation of scientists and informing interested adults through activities such as science exhibitions and science visits to schools and local community groups. These activities are important for informing the public debate about specific areas of research related to this project, e.g. the benefits and challenges of stem cell research.
People |
ORCID iD |
Peter Rugg-Gunn (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Rulands S
(2018)
Genome-Scale Oscillations in DNA Methylation during Exit from Pluripotency.
in Cell systems
Wojdyla K
(2020)
Cell-Surface Proteomics Identifies Differences in Signaling and Adhesion Protein Expression between Naive and Primed Human Pluripotent Stem Cells.
in Stem cell reports
Title | Jewellery inspired by genome organization |
Description | Collaboration with an artist that created jewellery inspired in genome nuclear organization. |
Type Of Art | Artwork |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Impact | Discussion about research. |
Description | We have completed the grant objectives. Specifically, we have mapped the chromatin contacts between cis-regulatory regions and their target gene promoters in mouse pluripotent cells, and in doing so, have identified super-enhancers as central hubs of complex spatial networks (PMID 29514091). We have revealed that long-range super-enhancer interactions are a hallmark of mouse embryonic stem cells, which might relate to the uniformly 'open' chromatin organisation of these cells. Notably, the depletion of the pluripotency factor Nanog disrupts the long-range regulatory interactions in mouse embryonic stem cells. Additionally, we have also made the important discovery that non-coding satellite repeat transcripts regulate heterochromatin organisation and safeguard chromosome stability in mouse embryonic stem cells (doi: 10.1101/2020.06.08.139642). Our findings resolve a long-standing question by demonstrating that satellite transcripts have a functional role rather than simply being a by-product of the open chromatin state of embryonic stem cells. We put forward a model where high levels of satellite transcripts provide a scaffold for heterochromatin assembly and contribute to the biophysical properties of heterochromatin. Through this research, we have also uncovered a new association between aberrant heterochromatin regulation and the appearance chromosome instability, leading us to propose that the distinct chromatin environment of heterochromatin in pluripotent cells serves to safeguard genetic stability. These key findings have important implications for understanding genome function over the life-course and for opening up new research avenues into the causes and consequences of genome instability. |
Exploitation Route | The control of gene activity by super-enhancers is an emerging and exciting therapeutic target. Our research in pluripotent cells opens up new concepts in our understanding about super-enhancer function and we anticipate that this knowledge could be applied by researchers (academic and industry) to refine the targeting of super-enhancers in other contexts. In addition, our work has established a new mechanistic connection between heterochromatin regulation and the maintenance of genetic stability, which has important implications for human health over the life-course. We have disseminated this research through publications and talks at scientific conferences. We have also participated in several public engagement events that focused on the role of epigenetics in controlling genome function and gene activity. |
Sectors | Healthcare |
Description | BSDB Gurdon Summer Studentship |
Amount | £1,600 (GBP) |
Organisation | British Society for Developmental Biology |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 06/2017 |
End | 08/2017 |
Description | Junior Scientist Travel Stipend |
Amount | $200 (USD) |
Organisation | Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United States |
Start | 09/2017 |
End | 09/2017 |
Title | Cell Reports 2018 |
Description | We have generated transcriptional (RNA-seq), gene regulatory (ChIP-seq) and chromatin organisation (Hi-C and PCHi-C) datasets and deposited them in GEO under accession number GSE103053. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2018 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | The data sets are published as part of a paper in Cell Reports, and we anticipate that other researchers will use our data for their own work. |
Description | David Bazett-Jones |
Organisation | University of Toronto |
Country | Canada |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have collaborated with David Bazett-Jones to examine the nuclear organisation in various cell types, including embryonic stem cells. For this collaboration, we have provided David with several cell samples. |
Collaborator Contribution | David has used a technique called electron spectroscopic imaging to investigate nuclear organisation in the cell samples that we have provided. |
Impact | The output of this collaboration is new knowledge about the nuclear organisation in embryonic stem cells and various mutant lines. |
Start Year | 2011 |
Description | Geeta Narlikar |
Organisation | University of California, San Francisco |
Department | Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We are collaborating on a research project to understand how heterochromatin is assembled and maintained in embryonic stem cells and what are the consequences when this process goes wrong. My research team are contributing expertise, material and resources related to the functional testing of heterochromatin organisation, |
Collaborator Contribution | The Narlikar team are world-leaders in heterochromatin assembly and analysis of nuclear condensates and are contributing expertise, material and resources related to measuring the biophysical properties of heterochromatin. |
Impact | The research project is still active with no reported outputs so far. |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | Ian Chambers |
Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
Department | MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have identified a new role for the transcription factor Nanog in regulating heterochromatin in mouse embryonic stem cells. |
Collaborator Contribution | Our collaborators have provided key cell lines, gel shift assays and expertise to the project. |
Impact | Paper in revision. |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | Simon Boulton |
Organisation | Francis Crick Institute |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We are collaborating on a research project to understand how heterochromatin is assembled and maintained in embryonic stem cells and what are the consequences when this process goes wrong. My research team are contributing expertise, material and resources related to the functional testing of heterochromatin organisation. |
Collaborator Contribution | The Boulton team have contributed to our project by extending our work to investigate DNA damage and repair and how these processes are affected by chromatin states. |
Impact | The research project is still active with no reported outputs so far, although we have a collaborative manuscript currently in review. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Bioinformatic Information Evening |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Explaining the use of bioinformatics within our research to a group of 20 teachers from the local area. Primarily to teacher and secondarily the passing on of information to the students they teach. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Cambridge Epigenetics Club |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | 150 people attended an evening of scientific presentations and networking as part of the Cambridge Epigenetics Club. This happens ~6 times per year. I organise these events with colleagues at the University of Cambridge, and the Club is sponsored by Abcam. The main outcomes are to bring together people from academia, industry, schools, and the general public to interact and discuss cutting edge epigenetics research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018,2019,2020 |
URL | https://www.abcam.com/events/cambridge-epigenetics-club |
Description | Cambridge Science Festival |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Exhibit about Babraham's research at Cambridge Science Festival |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Cambridge Science Festival |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Three members of my team participated in the Cambridge Science Festival, presenting their research using the 'Race Against the Ageing Clock' exhibit. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Co-organised an international conference on "Advances at the interface between metabolism and epigenetics" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | I helped to organise an international conference on the theme of epigenetics and metabolism. This brought together scientists from different disciplines and sparked new interests and collaborations. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Co-organised public event "Diet and Genes: Can we pass on our sins?" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | I helped to organise a public event that discussed topics related to epigenetics, diet, metabolism. This generated a lively discussion and lots of interest for research in this area. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Cross-Institute Workshop on Epigenetics |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | I co-organised a cross-institute workshop on epigenetics, which sparked new interactions and potential collaborations between researchers at different BBSRC-supported institutes. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | DNA extraction from fruit Babraham Campus visit from Home educated children |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Extract DNA from fruit whilst showing how to "be a scientist" to home schooled children. Impact: hands on activity to explain the basics of DNA and promote a career in research to home schooled children. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Epigenetics - Making Your Mark |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | We developed materials for sixth-form students and teachers, including classroom activities and experiments to try at home. The materials are available online (URL below) and have been presented at the following events: Oct 2017: Hills Road Sixth Form College Big Biology Day to an estimated audience of 500 members of the general public June 2018: UKRI Launch event in Swindon to an estimated audience of 75 adults (UKRI/BBSCR staff) July 2018: The 8th Euroscience Open Forum Conference in Toulouse to an estimated audience of 50 adults |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018 |
URL | https://www.babraham.ac.uk/about-us/impact/public/resources/sixth-form-colleges |
Description | Epigenetics Escape Room at Cambridge Festival |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Online escape room style engagement resource. Developed by researchers with puzzles linking to real life research. Event was run as part of Cambridge Festival with public audiences taking part and learning more about the Institute and our epigenetics research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://escape.babraham.ac.uk |
Description | Epigenetics lecture for Monday Biology Society |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Lecture to introduce the basics and the importance of Epigenetics to Biology GSCE and A-level students. Impact: improve students' understanding of Epigenetics; promote career in research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Epigenetics lecture for Teacher Twilight Session |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | An after-work lecture to introduce the basics and the importance of Epigenetics to Biology teachers. Impact: prepare teachers into Epigenetics, a subject recently introduced to the curriculae. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Gene editing (Cambridge) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | 120 people attended a panel discussion about gene editing, with lots of questions from the audience and discussion afterwards, and there were several follow-up conversations from the media and patient groups. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Hosted teachers |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | We hosted two teachers in our laboratory, which sparked questions and discussion about our research area. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Invitation to give lecture at the Annual Meeting of the Portuguese Society of Human Genetics |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Gave invited talk at the Annual Meeting of the Portuguese Society of Human Genetics, which sparked questions and interest in our work from academics and industry. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Invited lecture at Stanford University |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | I gave an invited lecture at Stanford University. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Invited lecture at the European Society of Human Genetics congress |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | I gave an invited lecture at the European Society of Human Genetics congress, which led to discussions and new collaborations. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Invited lecture at the MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Edinburgh |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | I gave an invited lecture that was attended by ~120 people. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Invited lecture at the University of Vienna |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | I gave an invited lecture at the University of Vienna. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Invited scientific lecture to the Executive Chair and other senior staff of the BBSRC |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | I gave an invited scientific lecture to the Executive Chair and other senior staff of the BBSRC. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Invited talk at Presdales School |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | I gave an invited talk about our research to sixth form students at Presdales School. This generated lots of questions and discussion. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Invited talk at StemCell Technologies UK HQ |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | I gave an invited talk at StemCell Technologies about our research, which generated lots of questions and discussion. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Launchpad School's Project |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | The activity involved explaining the research conducted at the Babraham Institute and setting a challenge to the children to optimise the extraction of DNA from strawberries. The challenge involved the design of a poster and was used as a test of teamwork, communication and motivation, with the winning teams being invited to the Institute to learn more about the work we do. The overall aim of this engagement was to inspire the next generation of research scientists in the Cambridge area. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Lecture to A-level students on Epigenetics |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Lecture on Epigenetics to around 100 A-level students. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Lecture to medical students on Epigenetics |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Lecture on Epigenetics to medical students for the Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Mexico. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Life Science Symposium |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | A symposium bringing together over 100 Cambridge University life science students to promote interaction and knowledge exchange between biological fields. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Member of BBSRC Regenerative Biology Working Group |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited membership of the BBSRC working group on Regenerative Biology. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018,2019 |
Description | PGCE Teacher Day |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | We hosted secondary school teachers for the day in our laboratory, providing them with insight into the research process and current topics in epigenetics. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Pint of Science 2018, Cambridge |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | I gave an invited talk at the 2018 Pint of Science Festival in Cambridge, about epigenetics and human development. This sparked questions and discussion. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Podcast with Dr. Kat Arney about stem cells and epigenetics |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Interview with Dr. Kat Arney (Naked Scientists podcast) about stem cells and epigenetics. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Research Access Programme Student Placement |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Higher education student carried out 5 week online summer placement learning a variety of techniques and data analysis methods. They reported an increase in knowledge, skills, and a broadening of their understanding of careers in science as well as how academic research functions. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Schools' Day 2018 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | 120 pupils attended for a school visit to the research organisation, which involved some of the pupils spending time in our lab, and the school reported increased interest in stem cells and epigenetics. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Schools' Day 2019 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | My group hosted eight school students throughout the day and we worked on experiments related to epigenetics and stem cell research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Schools' Day 2019 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | 75 pupils attended for a school visit to Babraham, which sparked questions and discussions afterwards, and the schools reported increased interest in related subject areas. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Short talk to LIYSF students |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Short introduction on our research (epigenetics and nuclear organization) to students attending London International Youth Students Forum (LIYSF). Impact: introduce students to Epigenetics and promote of scientific career. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Talk for Pint of Science 2017 - Cambridge |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Pint of Science talk about Epigenetics to an audience of about 50 adults. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Teachers Day |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | My team hosted several teachers in our laboratory, providing the teachers with insights into research processes and current topics in epigenetics. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | UK - Japan Bilateral International Meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | I participated in, and gave an invited lecture, at the UK - Japan Bilateral International Meeting, organised by the Royal Society and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS). The meeting led to increased interest in our research, and new connections with researchers from Japan. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |