My main research interest is to understand how environmental factors (e.g. exposure to toxicants, dietary conditions, oxidative stressors, etc.) can change the germ-line epigenome, and thus indirectly gene regulation in offspring, and influence their health and disease. The epigenome comprises additional levels of structural and biochemical information superimposed to the primary DNA sequence information, such as nuclear architecture and genome organization, DNA methylation, posttranslational modification the chromatin associated proteins, e.g. histones, and small RNAs. Epigenetic control appears to be for the development of complex and often late-onset diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and autism. My lab is particularly interested in exposures that occur during the prenatal phase of germ cell development. In other words, we focus on this central question: How does exposure of a pregnant mother to adverse environmental factors influence the germ-line epigenome of the developing offspring? A thorough understanding of the relevant mechanisms will help us to develop adequate lifestyle choices and pharmacological interventions that can improve human and animal health, which is our long-term goal.
