SGS: Giacomo Cavalli - Epigenetic memory of past events mediated by modification of Polycomb components and histone acetylation

His lab investigates fundamental mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance, with particular focus on Polycomb and Trithorax proteins and three-dimensional genome organization. Cavalli pioneered work on how Polycomb complexes maintain chromatin states and discovered that epigenetic inheritance can occur independently of DNA sequence changes through the FAB7 chromosomal element in Drosophila. His research revealed the multifactorial recruitment mechanisms of Polycomb proteins, identifying key roles for DNA-binding factors such as DSP-1 and GAGA factor in this regulatory landscape. His lab made significant contributions to mapping three-dimensional chromosomal interactions and identifying topologically associating domains (TADs), advancing our understanding of how genome architecture influences gene regulation in development and disease. His team continues to employ single-cell omics, super-resolution microscopy, CRISPR editing, genomics, and physical modeling to explore the 3D epigenome.