Dr. Phellps-Durr's Homepage

The goal of my research is to understand how the chromatin remodeling gene HIRA, regulates development in plants. In Arabidopsis thaliana, HIRA seems to have a role similar to that observed in other species where it has been shown to control cell division by regulating the packaging of DNA and associated proteins (chromatin remodeling). Regulation of cell division is an important aspect of proper development in all organisms. For example, the human developmental abnormality known as DiGeorge syndrome is characterized by several facial and cardiac malformations. These developmental abnormalities are caused by improper regulation of the human HIRA gene located on chromosome 22.

The precise mechanism of how HIRA remodels chromatin is not clear in any species. Genetic and molecular characterization of various ArabidopsisHIRA mutants and other genes encoding proteins that interact with HIRA will provide a clearer understanding of how this chromatin remodeling gene regulates plant development. These results will be compared with work from other species to reveal differences and/or similarities during development. I welcome the opportunity to discuss research possibilities with any interested student.