Investigation of Chromatin Dynamics and Their Functional Role in Cell Fate Establishment

The focus of this project is to investigate how alterations in chromatin mobility are related to large-scale transitions in nuclear activity. This type of regulation may be important during development, as stem cells transition to a more differentiated state. Thus, we are particularly interested in examining whether changes in chromatin mobility correlate with the establishment of distinct cell fates. To address these questions, we are establishing novel approaches, in the model organism C. elegans, to quantitatively measure chromatin dynamics in the early embryo. We will compare changes in these dynamics between the cells of different lineages and at successive developmental landmarks to directly examine the relationship between chromatin dynamics and cell fate decisions.