Epigenetic regulation of centromere and telomere chromatin

Epigenetics is a system that turns our genes on and off without the alterations to the DNA. The process
works by attaching chemical tags, known as epigenetic marks, to DNA. Centromere and telomere are
chromosomal DNA domains essential for faithful chromosome segregation and genome stability. Their
function and structural integrity are tightly regulated by specific epigenetic marks. Here, I will study the
functions of key epigenetic factors (I have identified) including chromatin remodelers, histone variants and
non-coding RNA in controlling centromere and telomere activity. The data will unveil novel pathways that
maintain the identity, transcription silencing, DNA replication fidelity and structural stability at these domains.