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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Postdoctoral position in epigenetics and cancer
Applications are invited for a 3-year postdoctoral position in the laboratory of Dr. Sophie Polo. The position is available from January 2025 (open until filled). The proposed postdoctoral work aims at targeting the DNA repair defect that we identified in histone H3...
EDC15: Fifteen Years of Epigenetics and Cell Fate
The Epigenetics and Cell Fate Center celebrates its fifteen years of existence on October 8, 2024. Come, and join us for this special day! This conference will look back on 15 years of scientific advances in the fields of epigenetics and cellular differentiation in...
2024 Young Scientists Day
It’s time to create our own network! The 27th of June young scientists from BFA (Biologie Fonctionelle Adaptative), IJM (Institut Jacques Monod) and us (EDC) will meet to share amazing science and create the foundations of future collaborations...
Call for new Research Group Leaders
The Epigenetics and Cell Fate Centre is seeking to recruit two talented junior and/or senior group leaders.Download the call (.pdf) Download the application form (.doc) The Epigenetics and Cell Fate Centre is a leading institute exploring cell identity and...