Prof. Frank Lyko Epigenetics

The term epigenetics refers to the regulation of gene activity by chemical changes in the hereditary material(DNA) such as by methylation, i.e. the addition of methyl groups. This is done by special enzymes called methyltransferases. In many types of cancer the DNA in the affected cells reveals not only alterations in the genes (mutations) but also abnormal methylation patterns (epimutations). We are working to develop a method of cancer diagnosis based on detecting and classifying epimutations in tumor tissues. In our efforts to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of epigenetic gene regulation and its role in cancer we are using the fruit fly Drosophila whose very limited DNA methylation system provides an ideal model system. In addition, we are investigating how substances inhibiting methyltransferases may be used for tumor treatment.

Detailed information on the project can be found at
www.dkfz.de/en/epigenetik/index.php