Wellcome Sanger Institute
Centre for Genomics Regulation
Title: The emergence of animal cell type diversity and regulation
Abstract: A fundamental question in biology is how the diverse cell types observed in a multicellular organism are encoded by a single genome sequence and which regulatory mechanisms orchestrate the deployment and maintenance of cell type-specific transcriptional programs. However, the diversity of these cell type programs remains largely unexplored beyond a few selected tissues in a limited number of species. Similarly, little is known about the emergence of complex genome regulatory mechanisms that support cell type-specific programs and cellular memory.
In our group, we aim to understand the diversity and evolution of cell type programs in early-branching metazoans, including ctenophores, sponges, placozoans, and cnidarians. We also conduct comparative studies on the evolution of chromatin components and mechanisms underlying this cell type specialization. In this seminar, I will present published work tracing the emergence of neuronal gene expression programs in early animals. I will also present ongoing efforts to dissect cell type-specific gene regulatory networks in early metazoans and discuss why this approach could transform our understanding of cell type evolution.
Hosts: Oliver Hobert & Maria Tosches