Research Overview

Life at EpiC

Researcher holding a pipet, performing an experiment at the bench

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Three researchers from EpiC discussing the results of a Western Blot experiment

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Four researchers discussing results in an office with sequencing data on a computer screen

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Schematic diagram illustrating the different dynamic structures of chromatin during cell division.

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What is Epigenetic Cell Memory at the molecular scale?

DNA is organised in cells as a protein-bound structure called chromatin. The simplest organisational unit, the nucleosome, consists of DNA wrapped around eight histone proteins.

Variations in chromatin organisation encode epigenetic information as a layer on top of the DNA: From modifications on the DNA and its associated histones, to nucleosome spacing and higher-order 3D chromatin folding. For this epigenetic information to encode healthy cell identity, it must be retained, error-free in the appropriate DNA location.

What is EpiC research?

The epigenome is challenged every time a cell divides. During DNA replication, chromatin is disassembled genome-wide and epigenetic information is diluted. This needs to be restored to retain cell memory. Mitosis presents a similar challenge to 3D chromatin organisation due to chromosome condensation. EpiC aims to answer how chromatin can provide life-long memory despite ongoing disruption during cell division, programmed identity changes, and stress.

Our key questions include:

How are epigenomes inherited across cell generations?
How does cell division enable changes in cell identity?
How is stress remembered by the epigenome?

Answering these will give insight into the nature of epigenetic memory over a lifetime. Basic discoveries in these areas will be important across biological and biomedical fields. Specifically, epigenetic memory underpins organismal development, therapeutic reprogramming and anti-aging strategies, and cancer progression.

How will we achieve EpiC’s research goals?

EpiC unites five research groups with leading expertise across epigenetics, genome stability, 3D genome, cell division, and development: Prof. Anja Groth (Center Director), Prof. Niels Mailand, Associate Prof. Nils Krietenstein, Prof. Jakob Nilsson and EpiC-affiliated Associate Prof. Kathleen Stewart-Morgan.

Together, the groups have a unique combination of technological strongholds. We will apply advanced CRISPR screening as a powerful discovery tool and leverage innovative genomics and proteomics technologies to explore epigenome dynamics across the cell cycle and to dissect cellular memory mechanisms across lifespan and disease.

Beyond this, EpiC is committed to fostering a creative, inclusive, and collaborative research environment. EpiC members have been trained in creative problem-solving and effective feedback techniques (Knowinnovation) and the creative scientific process (Night Science ). We implement this as part of a high-trust, high-participation culture in monthly center meetings and annual retreats.

EpiC also prioritises sustainable research with several EpiC groups holding LEAF (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework) accreditations.