DNA methylation in stem cells

One of our research axes is focused on understanding how DNA methylation patterns are established, maintained, and interpreted during embryonic development. To address these questions we use mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells as our model, and we apply a wide array of tools: cell biology, genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics… This has led us, for example, to decipher important mechanisms of epigenetic memory (Ferry et al, Mol Cell 2017, review in Petryk et al NAR 2020). More recently, we carried out genome-wide CRISPR screens to identify factors linking epigenetics and cellular state (Gupta, Yakhou et al., NSMB 2023).

A CRISPR screen identifies new repressors of the totipotent state in mouse embryonic stem cells

In mammals, only the zygote and blastomeres of the early embryo are fully totipotent. This totipotency is reflected in vitro by the expression of markers such as Zscan4. We performed a genome-wide CRISPR KO screen in mouse embryonic stem cells, looking for mutants that reactivate the expression of totipotency markers, like for example the knock-out of Spop.

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Thomas Graf seminar

Thomas Graf seminar

Monday, December 4, 2023, at 10:00 am Thomas Graf CRG, BarcelonaInvited by Pierre-Antoine Defossez “Mechanisms of cell fate conversions” The seminar will take place on Zoom only:https://u-paris.zoom.us/j/86114422072?pwd=VzJ0c2pxcHl4OWppekx3MldlM2Y4QT09 Contact:...

Yoichi Shinkai seminar

Yoichi Shinkai seminar

Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at 11:00 am Yoichi Shinkai RIKEN Saitama, JapanInvited by Pierre-Antoine Defossez “Lysine methyltransferase EHMT1/GLP (Ehmt1) heterozygous KO mice as a Kleefstra syndrome model: challenging the onset mechanism and developing therapeutic...

We celebrated Science in October

We celebrated Science in October

Every October, we celebrate science through the "Fête de la Science", a popular public event that celebrates science, technology and innovation. It is open to all and helps promote the sharing of knowledge. This year, our Centre was involved in two visits. Our...