Epigenetics in Cis and multistability in olfactoric differentiation

Kim Sneppen

Time: 9:10 - 10:00 AM

Type: Invited presentation

Affiliation: Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen

Abstract

Cells can be in different states maintained dynamically by positive feedback mechanisms. A subset of these dynamic systems are formed by histones recruiting "read-write" enzymes which in turn modify other histones. This opens for a level of local genetic regulation working on histone modifications. We explore simple examples of such histone codes, and use tools from theoretical physics to pinpoint the minimal requirements for histone mediated epigenetics. The developed models inspire new perspectives on a variety of developmental systems, including in particular the differentiation of olfactoric neuronal cells. A system where one and only one of 1000 genes are expressed in each cell.