DSSS - Epigenetic inheritance of chromatin states in C. elegans

The ability to replicate and pass information to descendants is a fundamental requirement for life. In addition to the DNA-based genetic information, modifications of the DNA or DNA-associated proteins can create patterns of heritable genome regulation. We study how such chromatin-based information is passed from one generation using the model organism C. elegans. I will present two case studies: the centromere-specific histone variant CENP-A, and H3K27me3, a conserved histone posttranslational modification associated with gene repression. We found that patterns of CENP-A incorporation persist for one generation before they are reset. In contrast, we found that induced alterations of the genome-wide H3K27me3 landscape and the associated fertility defects persist for many generations in genetically wildtype descendants under selective pressure. I will discuss our research to uncover the mechanisms underlying these cases of epigenetic inheritance.