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Department of Genetics

 

Biography

 

Research Interests

How is chromatin structure regulated to direct correct gene expression programmes?

Animal development is an extraordinary process during which a single-celled totipotent zygote produces a myriad of different tissues and cell types. Differential control of chromatin structure establishes the gene expression programmes that drive cellular identity. Deciphering this control is necessary for understanding how the genome directs development and the diseases that result from chromatin dysregulation.

We study how cell-type specific gene expression and chromatin organisation are achieved using the simple C. elegans model, focussing on controls and interactions at regulatory elements, how euchromatin and heterochromatin are formed, and the regulation of 3D nuclear organisation. Taking advantage of the experimental amenability and defined lineage of C. elegans, we apply high-throughput genomics, super-resolution microscopy, single-cell analyses, and computational approaches to understand core mechanisms of gene expression regulation in development.

Research Group Links

https://www.gen.cam.ac.uk/research-groups/research-groups/ahringer

http://www2.gurdon.cam.ac.uk/~ahringerlab/

 

Publications

Key publications: 

Publications are located on the Ahringer Lab webpage please click here

 

Professor of Genetics and Genomics
Director, Gurdon Institute
Professor Julie  Ahringer
Areas of Interest: 
Control of Chromatin Structure and Function
Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute,
University of Cambridge,
Tennis Court Road,
Cambridge CB2 1QN,
United Kingdom
Office phone: 
+44 (0)1223 334142
Takes PhD students

Affiliations