JS Davies Epigentics and Genetics

Research Leader: Professor Stefan Hiendleder

The JS Davies Epigenetics and Genetics group is focused on understanding how epigenetics impacts on pre- and postnatal development and health.

Epigenetic programming of DNA via epigenetic modification such as DNA methylation is responsible for epigenetic effects on gene expression and phenotype. Prenatal environmental cues can trigger epigenetic change with lifelong effects on health and disease. The group has a special interest in determining the effect of genetic differences on epigenetic programming and phenotype.

In 2009 the group discovered an unexpected high variation in DNA methylation levels in somatic cell nuclear transfer animals and that epigenetic plasticity is dependent on maternal genetics in a bovine model system.

Research Priorities:

• Role of epigenetic mechanisms in embryonic and fetal development
• Sex chromosome effects
• Novel non-mendelian modes of inheritance