Dr. Sylvia Erhardt Epigenetics and centromere biology

The centromere is the region on every chromosome that provides the anchor point for kinetochore formation and spindle attachment necessary for chromosome segregation during mitosis and meiosis. Malfunction of the kinetochore results in chromosome gain or loss, a hallmark of most human cancers. Centromeric DNA is not conserved and epigenetic mechanisms are thought to regulate centromere identity. The best epigenetic mark is the centromere-specific histone variant CENP-A (CID in Drosophila), which is absolutely required for kinetochore formation. Its loading and regulation, however, are poorly understood. We are studying different aspects of the centromere using Drosophila melanogaster and cell culture as model systems to better understand its function in regulating chromosome segregation.

Detailed information on the project can be found at
www.zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de/erhardt/