Objective Chromatin regulators adjust genome functions by modifying chromatin states. Comprehensive characterization of chromatin states, associations of chromatin regulators, and expression profiles is crucial for investigating: 1.Cellular differentiation triggers. 2.The nature of the underlying chromatin regulatory mechanisms. 3.The effect of cellular heterogeneity, and 4. How chromatin affects mRNA expression. Mapping chromatin states by sequencing immunoprecipitated chromatin (ChIP-seq) provides an extraordinary resource for studying cellular states. However, a major shortcoming is that the profiles reflect a composite average over the studied cell population, concealing important information about the underlying subpopulations. To address this hurdle, I pioneered Drop-Seq, a novel drop based microfluidic technology for single cell ChIP-seq and RNA-seq. Applying the technique to thousands of embryonic stem (ES) cells, we identified a spectrum of sub-populations defined by differences in chromatin signatures of pluripotency and differentiation priming. However, despite initial progress, the extent and significance of chromatin-state heterogeneity and its relationship with mRNA expression remain largely uncharted. The central aim of this proposal is to develop a novel framework to systematically characterize cell-to-cell variability at the epigenomic level. Our approach will include the development of technology enabling ChIP-seq and RNA-seq on the same cell. We will also exploit drop-based microfluidics to develop a robust CRISPR/Cas9-based approach to assess single and multiple perturbations. Finally, we will apply these innovative technologies to questions about cellular heterogeneity and epigenomic regulation during early differentiation of ES cells. This proposal will reveal the function and interplay between chromatin regulators, histone marks and transcription events, and shed light on the underlying regulation leading to cell fate decisions. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencesclassical mechanicsfluid mechanicsmicrofluidicsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsgenomesmedical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologycells technologiesnatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsepigenetics Keywords Epigenomics chromatin histone marks chromatin regulators cell to cell variation embryonic stem cells cellular differentiation lineage commitment single cell measurements Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Topic(s) ERC-2016-STG - ERC Starting Grant Call for proposal ERC-2016-STG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-STG - Starting Grant Host institution THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM Net EU contribution € 1 500 000,00 Address EDMOND J SAFRA CAMPUS GIVAT RAM 91904 Jerusalem Israel See on map Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 1 500 000,00 Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM Israel Net EU contribution € 1 500 000,00 Address EDMOND J SAFRA CAMPUS GIVAT RAM 91904 Jerusalem See on map Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 1 500 000,00
