Chemical Regulation of Nuclear Epigenome and Mitochondrial Genome

Research Project Outline

Epigenetics in the nuclear genome, which is mainly controlled by histone modifications, plays an important role in reprogramming and cellular differentiation. Compared to the nuclear genome, mutations accumulate more frequently in the genome of mitochondria, which is involved in aging and age-related diseases. Reprogramming of not only the nuclear but also the mitochondria genome is desired for ideal regeneration therapy using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. This project aims at developing new technologies to enhance reprogramming and differentiation by identification of bioactive compounds that regulate epigenetics and mitochondrial DNA metabolism.