Dr Daniela Moralli

Research summary:

De novo human artificial chromosomes (HAC) are small, extrachromosomal elements, which possess a centromere and are able to replicate and segregate correctly as stable chromosomes. De novo HAC are formed by delivering vectors carrying centromere specific DNA (alpha satellite DNA) to target cells. Because they behave as autonomous chromosomes they can be used as a model to study complex chromosomal features such as the centromere. The aim of my project is to characterise the HAC structure and chromatin composition in different cells types, both immortalized cell line and stem cells, by using a combination of FISH (Fluorescent in situ hybridization) on metaphase spreads, and chromatin fibres, immunological techniques and chromatin immunoprecipitaion (ChIP).

A further interest is the identification of cellular factors involved in HAC formation and maintenance.

Research Areas:

Molecular biology, cellular biology, cytogenetics

Keywords:

Human artificial chromosomes, centromere, chromatin, chromosome stability