Developmental Epigenomics

DNA methylation and histone modifications are two major mediators of epigenetic processes in mammals and the question that inspires us, is to understand how mutations in factors that read, write or erase epigenetic marks lead to human disease, with the ultimate aim to develop targeted epigenetic therapies.

Towards this goal, we are making use of a set of models that emerged from a large chemical mutagenesis screen for epigenetic regulators in the mouse. This screen identified about 30 genes, with roles in DNA methylation, histone modification and chromatin remodelling pathways. Intriguingly, many of these factors have also been identified as risk factors for human disease. With this knowledge, we are selecting key factors as entry points into understanding their functions throughout normal development and in disease. We employ discovery-driven (epi)genomic approaches to expose epigenetic dysregulation caused by disruption of our genes of interest in mammalian (stem) cell model systems and/or patient-derived cells. We then use hypothesis-driven genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology and Crispr/Cas9-mediated (epi)genome-editing approaches to systematically unravel the underlying molecular processes.

More information about our research can be found here: daxingerlab.org

If you are interested in joining our research group please consider the following options:

Open and funded PhD student/Postdoc positions will be advertised on the LUMC website and internationally.

Postdoctoral fellows: Applications from postdoctoral fellows with a strong background in epigenetics and gene regulation, computational biology, or biochemistry who are willing to apply for competitive grants are strongly encouraged.

Master/Bachelor students: Internship positions become available on a regular basis. Please contact us directly.

• Dr. Lucia Clemens-Daxinger - Principal Investigator / Associate Professor
• Maja Vukic - PhD student
• Cor Breukel - Research technician
• Kelly K.D. Vonk - Research technician