Research priority program: Epigenetics

In plants, reversible gene inactivation mechanisms can be transmitted to the progeny. Thus, progeny plants do not bear genetic but epigenetic changes. In mammals and plants, these changes are generally associated with hypermethylation of the corresponding genes. Similar to initiation of RNA interference (RNAi), double stranded RNA (dsRNA) plays a key role in the establishment of new epigenetic marks. Moreover, in several organisms, RNAi deficiency mutants exhibited epigenetic anomalies. Thus, a direct correlation between RNAi and epigenetic alterations exists. In the frame of the Epigenetics priority program, we would like to elucidate the interaction between RNAi and epigenetical processes by applying genetical and biochemical approaches.

Projects

RNA interference (RNAi)

• Nuclear RNAi
• RNAi enzyme complexes
• Virale suppressors of RNAi
• Functional analysis of small regulatory RNAs
• Production of recombinant proteins in plants

Viroid Research

• Diagnosis
• Viroid resistance
• Interaction between viroids and RNAi

Funding


Publications


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