Zea mays DNA replication timing and epigenetic dynamics project

It has become clear that the state of the epigenome is critical for gene regulation, chromosome mechanics, and evolutionary adaptation, and that epigenetic factors strongly impact human efforts in genetic engineering. However, we still have much to learn about the mechanisms that plant cells use to transmit epigenetic patterns through multiple rounds of DNA replication and cell division, or how environmental and developmental factors influence the transmission process. Because cell-to-cell inheritance is crucial to the function of epigenetic marks, understanding their biology requires an intimate understanding of DNA replication as well as tools to study events occurring specifically in S phase. In the individual projects under this umbrella project, we profile DNA replication, epigenetic marks and gene transcription using next generation sequencing in maize, and by incorporating these data together seek to better understand epigenetic regulation.