Dr. Peter Zeller about the ERC-Starting Grant for scEpiTarget:

Key Regulators of Cell Type-Specific Epigenomes 

Cells share the same genetic code but utilize it differently based on their type and context. Epigenetic changes, such as post-translational histone modifications (PTHMs), regulate DNA interactions. As cells differentiate, PTHMs are reorganized to support their new functions. While scientists know which proteins add (writers) and remove (erasers) PTHMs, how these proteins target specific genome regions remains unclear. Dr. Peter Zeller’s project, scEpiTarget, aims to develop innovative single-cell methods to pinpoint the key factors that direct cell-type-specific PTHM placement. Understanding these factors is crucial for grasping epigenetic pathways, which are vital from early development through aging, and for developing targeted therapies for diseases.