Gavin Kelsey
Research Summary
As well as genetic information, the egg and sperm also contribute epigenetic annotations that may influence gene activity after fertilisation. These annotations may be direct modifications of the DNA bases or of the proteins around which the DNA is wrapped into chromatin. Our goal is to understand whether, through epigenetics, factors such as a mother’s age or diet have consequences on the health of a child.
We examine how epigenetic states are set up in oocytes – or egg cells – and influence gene expression in the embryo. For example, repressive chromatin marks in oocytes lead to long-term silencing of genes inherited from the mother, particularly in cells that will form the placenta. We are also interested in how variations in DNA methylation come about in oocytes and whether we can use this variation as a marker for oocyte quality and embryo potential. To investigate these questions, we develop methods to profile epigenetic information in very small numbers of cells or even in single cells.
Latest Publications
Genome-wide DNA methylation dynamics during epigenetic reprogramming in the porcine germline. Clinical epigenetics, 13, 1, 03 Feb 2021 PMID: 33536045 |
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Cell-cell coupling and DNA methylation abnormal phenotypes in the after-hours mice. Epigenetics & chromatin, 14, 1, 06 Jan 2021 PMID: 33407878 |
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Identification of a unique epigenetic profile in women with diminished ovarian reserve. Fertility and sterility, 1, 1, 30 Nov 2020 PMID: 33272626 |