Chromatin plays a key role in the regulation of a number of basic cellular processes. Central to this function is its ability to adopt different states. These states may be differentiated by, for example, differences in nucleosome positions or post-translational modifications of the core histone proteins. Particular chromatin states are associated with gene activation or repression. However it is unclear if or how these states are passed on from one generation to the next. We are currently developing genomics and biochemical approaches to investigate if/how particular chromatin states are maintained throughout DNA replication.
