Seminars

DNA methylation is associated with transcriptional repression of eukaryotic genes and transposons.  Plants have evolved elaborate systems for the establishment and maintenance of DNA methylation, involving a number of self-reinforcing loop systems that allow for the heritability of DNA methylation differences through mitosis and meiosis.   Our lab is studying the components and mechanisms by which DNA methylation is read and interpreted, and how it causes gene silencing or in some cases gene activation.  We are also developing CRISPR based tools for the precise targeting of DNA methylation changes which can be used in basic plant research or in crop improvement projects.