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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Article: Altered X-chromosome inactivation predisposes to autoimmunity
Our latest work by Huret et al. linking X chromosome inactivation to autoimmunity is published in Science Advances This work is discussed in different journals: NewScientist: Autoimmune conditions linked to reactivated X chromosome genes National Geographic: Why women...
Theileria annulata and Cancer: a parasite strategy revealed!
Laetitia Aubry seminar – April 24, 2024
Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 11:00 am. Laetitia Aubry Université d’Evry / I-StemInvited by Valérie Drouet “Harnessing pluripotent stem cells derivatives from patients with Wolfram syndrome to reveal pathological mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic chemical...
Moussa Benhamed seminar – April 17, 2024
Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 11:00 am. Moussa Benhamed Institute of Plant Sciences, Paris SaclayInvited by Valérie Mezger “Exploring the chromatin-based regulation of enhancer-promoter contact and its impact on gene expression” The seminar will take place in the...