Research

Iovino Lab

The Iovino laboratory demonstrated that parents transmit not only genetic but also epigenetic information to their progeny in the form of histone post-translational modifications. The group showed that the repressive histone marks H3K27me3 and H3K9me3 are retained on post-meiotic oocytes and intergenerationally transmitted from the germline to the next generation. This discovery revealed an unanticipated role for germline-inherited histone modifications in mediating gene regulation in the early embryo of the next generation.

Furthermore, the laboratory’s studies revealed that newly deposited histone variants and histone acetylation regulate gene expression in the early embryo, highlighting an unexpected role for histone modification–mediated gene regulation during this developmental stage.

The group also uncovered that the early embryonic nucleus is organized de novo into a complex hierarchical folding pattern, including chromatin loops, topologically associating domains (TADs), and compartmental domains. Notably, they discovered a novel and fundamental role for HP1a in chromatin reorganization after fertilization.

Epigenetic inheritance has the potential to drive biological diversity and evolution. The laboratory’s ongoing research aims to elucidate how epigenetic mechanisms influence the expression of genes responsible for adaptive responses to environmental stimuli. These studies are expected to uncover novel principles underlying biological diversity and evolution.