Efrat Shema - Single-Molecule Epigenetics: Illuminating the Histone Code in Cancer

“We study epigenetic events that contribute to cellular differentiation, early development and cancer. To address these fundamental questions, we develop and apply innovative cutting-edge single-molecule technologies.

The activity of genes and regulatory elements is modulated by their cell-type-specific chromatin organization. Histone modifications and chromatin regulators play important roles in cellular differentiation and development. Chromatin structure is constantly changing in response to developmental and environmental cues; this dynamic regulation is the basis for cellular plasticity. Epigenetic deregulation is common in a wide spectrum of diseases, from developmental disorders to many types of cancers. We develop methodologies at the interface of genomics and proteomics, with the goal of paving the way towards a deeper understanding of chromatin regulation, as well as the development of therapeutic and diagnostic tools.”

source: http://www.weizmann.ac.il/Biological_Regulation/Shema/home