Summary of the science
Polycomb proteins are important for controlling how our genes work. Our genes are small sequences of DNA holding information that is required by our cells to make proteins. This process has to be tightly regulated to ensure that the correct proteins, at the correct time and quantity, are made. Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene activity that occur without alterations to the underlying DNA sequence, influencing how our genes are "read" and potentially impacting our health and traits. Our traits refer to characteristics that are carried on form parent to child, such as blue eyes. These proteins have a unique role in balancing between these two aspects: stable inheritance of traits and flexible regulation of genes. These proteins can change the structure of DNA and proteins in our cells, creating specific patterns that can be passed down to new cells. They also help activate or turn off genes when needed, ensuring our bodies develop and function properly.
About the research
Giacomo Cavalli's lab focuses on understanding how our genome is regulated by Polycomb proteins. These proteins play a crucial role in determining how genes are expressed and controlled in our cells. They are involved in shaping the 3D structure of the genome, which affects how genes interact with each other and how they are turned on or off. By studying model organisms like fruit flies and mammalian cells, the lab explores how genes are organised into specific regions called topologically associated domains (TADs), which form intricate connections to build complex 3D structures within our cells. This research is important because it helps us understand how our genetic information is inherited and regulated, and it has implications for various biological processes such as development, cellular differentiation, and the development of diseases like cancer.
About the illustration