Frontiers in Genetics aims at understanding the function and regulation of certain genes during development, as well as their role in maintaining health or favouring the emergence of pathology. The researchers are tackling the key mechanisms of these processes at the level of the genes themselves, as well as that of the chromosomes, the cell and the whole organism.

The projects managed by the NCCR’s leaders are assembled into work packages encompassing common themes, with contributions of several individual projects. The synergy resulting from their combined efforts is essential to reach the critical mass needed to accomplish such ambitious schemes, in terms of scientific expertise and to develop state-of-the-art biotechnological tools. This should lead to maintaining, or even increasing, the leading position of Switzerland within the international landscape of molecular biology and genetics.

The research programs include setting up original approaches to address complex issues. Thus, custom-made animal models for human diseases or developmental defects are engineered to study the underlying mechanisms and test candidate treatments. The transgenic mice are also used to investigate the function and regulation of specific genes, such as architect and clock genes, as well as factors controlling different “developmental” genes. Another unique tool of genetic engineering, set up within our NCCR to analyse gene regulation of the fly Drosophila during its development, will also be adapted to the mouse.

At the cellular level, we are studying how the dynamic three-dimensional structure of the genome is affecting gene activity, as well as chromosome replication and repair. The regulation of telomeres’ length, whose dysfunction plays a part in the formation of tumours, is also in our line of sight. Another of our goals is to unveil epigenetic mechanisms (i.e. not associated with changes in DNA sequence) that influence gene expression and chromosome stability.

Deciphering the processes involved in the body’s energy balance is a centre of interest as well, since their altered regulation contributes to the development of metabolic diseases, one of the main concerns in westernized societies. Our studies are focused on a family of transcription factors named PPAR, which are key actors in organism development and energy homeostasis.