3D epigenetic control of white/beige adipocyte identity
Human adipose tissue stores energy in the form of lipids in white adipocytes and dissipates energy by heat in brown and beige (thermogenic) adipocytes. The beneficial effect of thermogenic adipocytes in maintaining body weight and protecting against metabolic diseases prompts studies of their origin and mechanisms of activation. A key link between environment and phenotype is the epigenome. We investigate 3D epigenetic mechanisms underlying beige adipogenesis. We explore how this plasticity is encoded at the epigenetic level and by the 3D architecture of genes and control elements.
Ongoing research
Genome conformation changes and transcription factor dynamics during white and beige adipogenesis, using human cell culture model
Interplay between the nuclear lamina, LADs and TADs in the differentiation of adipose stem cells
Regulation of gene expression at the nuclear lamina
