Understanding the mechanisms of transcriptional memory in humans

Abstract Investigating factors that regulate the epigenetically inherited transcriptional memory in humans The epigenetically inherited transcriptional memory leads to a faster cellular response upon second exposure to external stimuli, but the mechanism underlying the epigenetic transfer of accentuated cellular response is unknown. Epigenetic processes play a crucial role in various cellular processes as well as pathogenesis of several diseases. I will investigate the factors regulating the Interferon-gamma induced transcriptional memory in Hela cell, using HLA-DRA gene as model. I will comprehensively define cellular factors that specifically affect the faster HLA-DRA reaction through genome wide siRNA knockdown and chemical library screening. I will also define HLA-DRA promoter element that regulate memory using a promoter-reporter fusions. Understand the factors mediating epigenetic transfer of transcriptional memory would not only elucidate the mechanism but also provide cellular targets for diseases involving epigenetic etiology.