Molecular and Cellular Epigenetics
Group leader Prof. Pernette Verschure
General research focus
Epigenetic patterning is crucial for healthy cell and tissue performance. As we age, epigenetic changes occur, influenced by various environmental factors like diet, tobacco, exercise and exposure to environmental pollutants, which can have long lasting effects. These alterations in epigenetic marks are linked to numerous diseases. Since epigenetic regulation is reversible, it presents promising avenues for therapeutic intervention. Exploring the emergence of dynamic epigenetic interactions at single cell level and understanding their impact on cellular functionality represents an intriguing and largely uncharted area of research with significant potential for using epigenetic reprogramming (epigenetic editing) as a technology for individualized medicine.
see more:
Reset je cellen - NEMO Kennislink
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Amsterdam Science Park is home to new epigenetics research
Research and innovative technologies
The mission of the Molecular & Cellular Epigenetics group is to decipher functional epigenome memory and dynamics, to understand heterogeneity in responsiveness of identical cells and what this means for pathological behavior and therapeutic treatments.
We employ state-of-the-art methodologies and invest in the establishment of innovative tools, including epigenetic reprogramming (CRISPR/dCas9), single-molecule and real-time single cell microscopy, applied molecular technologies, epigenome mapping with CUT&Tag and (nascent) transcript monitoring with 4sUDRB-seq and smRNA FISH. Wet lab tools are combined with computer simulation, machine learning and bioinformatics. With this approach quantifying changes in epigenetic regulation and using epigenetic reprogramming as an intervention tool, we are at the core of basic and biomedical research questions which provides us interest from colleagues and a wide range of funding opportunities.
We leverage our findings and advanced technologies to unravel the importance of epigenetic memory, dynamics and cell-to-cell variability in various contexts including hormonal breast cancer progression, evolution of acquired resistance to endocrine treatment, embryonic development, chronological aging, UV damage and repair.
Research consortia
The intensive involvement of the group in leading international consortia, gives us a good overview of and access to European partners. Prof. dr. Verschure coordinated the EU H2020 EpiPredict consortium, she was workgroup leader of the International Nucleome (INC) COST Action network, and currently coordinates the (inter)national Epi-Guide-Edit NWO KIC Key Technology consortium,
see more: https://www.rathenau.nl/en/nauwkeurig-en-gericht-bewerken-van-het-epigenoom).
A main focus is on Advancing the development of epigenetic reprogramming as enabling Key Technology NWO-KIC Epi-Guide-Edit consortium coordinated by prof. dr. P.J. Verschure.
More information is available on the "research line" page: research line Pernette Verschure and personal profile page of Prof. Verschure (below).
EU H2020 EpiPredict
In the EU H2020 EpiPredict project multi-step epigenetic reprogramming and epigenetic heterogeneity have been identified as key factors in the progression of hormonal breast cancer cancer. These discoveries regarding the development of resistance to endocrine therapy hold significant implications for patient stratification and the formulation of effective treatment strategies.
NWO KIC Key Technology Epi-Guide-Edit
The Epi-Guide-Edit research team aims to develop sustained epigenetic reprogramming, as a non-invasive approach to guide cell behaviour, addressing critical societal issues such as the treatment of aging-related diseases and global food challenges. By engaging academic, industrial, and societal partners, the project underscores the significance and practical applicability of its research outcomes. This collaborative effort demonstrates responsible innovation of launching epigenetic editing as key technology in health, biomedicine, and agriculture.
My research line is focused on understanding regulatory cross talk at regulatory elements (gene promoters and enhancers) and how this relates to gene-by-gene differences in transcriptional dynamics. In particular I am interested in how gene promoters interpret dynamic input signals such as transcription factor binding, epigenetic modifications and (nascent) RNA regulatory feedback. To understand the functionality of such signals at single cell and genome wide scale, we are bringing together novel technologies, i.e. epigenome editing, CRISPR screening, single cell NGS- and imaging-based analysis combined with computational approaches.
My biomedical technology oriented research also forms a major basis for my teaching efforts for a broad range of study program, i.e. Biomedical Sciences (BSc, MSc), Biology (BSc, MSc), Beta-gamma, DuBa, Forensic (MSc) and the new ‘Science, Technology and Innovation' BSc program.