Defining the functional components of constitutive heterochromatin in Caenorhabditis elegans though genetic interaction screening
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Genetics
Abstract
Project title: Defining the functional components of constitutive heterochromatin in Caenorhabditis elegans though genetic interaction screening and functional characterisation
Heterochromatin is a stable epigenetic chromatin environment associated with the silencing of gene expression, including that of repetitive elements. Defects in heterochromatin lead to genetic instability and have been linked to human disease, such as cancer. The mechanism through which heterochromatin is established and maintained has been extensively studied in the single-celled yeast Saccharomyces pombe, but is not well understood in animals. The aim of this PhD is to use genetic interaction screening with RNA interference in C. elegans to identify the functional components of the heterochromatin network in a metazoan model organism. Promising candidates will be assessed for roles in heterochromatin formation and their biological function will be characterised. Results from the screen will be compared to a collaborative screen carried out in human cells, providing potential for a therapeutic outcome.
Heterochromatin is a stable epigenetic chromatin environment associated with the silencing of gene expression, including that of repetitive elements. Defects in heterochromatin lead to genetic instability and have been linked to human disease, such as cancer. The mechanism through which heterochromatin is established and maintained has been extensively studied in the single-celled yeast Saccharomyces pombe, but is not well understood in animals. The aim of this PhD is to use genetic interaction screening with RNA interference in C. elegans to identify the functional components of the heterochromatin network in a metazoan model organism. Promising candidates will be assessed for roles in heterochromatin formation and their biological function will be characterised. Results from the screen will be compared to a collaborative screen carried out in human cells, providing potential for a therapeutic outcome.
Organisations
Publications
| Description | Cambridge University Alumni Festival talk |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | 100 Cambridge University alumni, who graduated from any subject, attended a zoom seminar about the model organism C. elegans and my PhD research, with a live Q&A session after. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |