Welcome to the Epigenetics Lab

Why do cells that inherit the same genetic information can adopt different developmental fates? This fundamental biological question is the central research focus of our group. Our research addresses mechanisms leading to the establishment of different transcriptional expression states and how these states are stably transmitted over several cell divisions.

We apply forward genetic screens, reverse genetic approaches, as well as transcriptional and epigenome profiling using the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana to identify the underlying mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance.

Part of my lab has recently moved to the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala, Sweden (SLU) and new openings will only be available in Uppsala.

Selected Publications

Erilova, E., Brownfield, L., Exner, V., Rosa, M., Twell, D., Mittelsten Scheid, O., Hennig, L., Köhler, C. (2009) Imprinting of the Polycomb Group Gene MEDEA Serves as a Ploidy Sensor in Arabidopsis. PLoS Genet. 5:e1000663. (Medline)

Aichinger, E., Villar, C.B.R., Farrona, S., Reyes, J.C., Hennig, L., Köhler, C. (2009) CHD3 proteins and Polycomb group proteins antagonistically determine cell identity in Arabidopsis. PLoS Genet. (8):e1000605. (Medline)

Köhler, C., Villar, C.B.R. (2008) Programming of gene expression by Polycomb group proteins. Trends Cell Biol. 18:236-243. (Medline)

Köhler, C, Makarevich, G. (2006) Epigenetic mechanisms governing seed development in plants. EMBO Rep. 7:1223-1227. (Medline)

Köhler C, Page DR, Gagliardini V, Grossniklaus U. (2005) The Arabidopsis thaliana MEDEA Polycomb group protein controls expression of PHERES1 by parental imprinting. Nat Genet. 37:28-30. (Medline)

Köhler C, Hennig L, Bouveret R, Gheyselinck J, Grossniklaus U, Gruissem W. (2003) Arabidopsis MSI1 is a component of the MEA/FIE Polycomb group complex and required for seed development. EMBO J. 22:4804-14. (Medline)

Köhler C, Hennig L, Spillane C, Pien S, Gruissem W, Grossniklaus U. (2003) The Polycomb group protein MEDEA regulates seed development by controlling expression of the MADS-box gene PHERES1. Genes & Dev. 17:1540-53. (Medline)