Project
Deciphering the role of HP1α dimer-to-monomer transition in heterochromatin DNA replication
This project investigates how heterochromatin, a tightly packed form of chromatin where DNA is normally less accessible, temporarily opens so DNA can be copied during cell division. We focus on a protein called HP1α, which can switch between paired and single forms. We are testing whether this switch helps open heterochromatin at the right time for DNA replication. The project involves an international collaboration with Professor Bing Zhu and his laboratory at the Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing. His expertise in chromatin inheritance, heterochromatin formation, biochemistry and mass spectrometry complements our expertise in advanced live-cell imaging. The award also supported a two-week research visit to Professor Zhu’s laboratory, where we developed joint experimental strategies and expanded the collaboration towards understanding how heterochromatin is established during early development.
The AUD $19,920 award supported research assistance, conference participation, international travel, and laboratory reagents and consumables. Funding supported development of quantitative imaging-analysis tools, attendance at the Cold Spring Harbor Asia Nuclear Architecture and Function Conference, and a research visit to Professor Zhu’s laboratory in Beijing. It also supported microscopy experiments, generation of cell lines and experimental validation. All funds were fully expended.
We have shown that HP1α changes from a paired form to a single form during DNA replication. Our preliminary results suggest that this change helps open heterochromatin, allowing the DNA replication machinery to access regions that are normally tightly packed. Together with Professor Zhu’s laboratory, we have also generated genetically engineered cell lines to investigate what triggers this HP1α transition. The award has also expanded our international research network through conference presentations and scientific exchanges with researchers worldwide. Two PhD students have benefited directly through training in advanced microscopy, quantitative image analysis, and chromatin biology.
The collaboration with Professor Zhu’s group has developed into an ongoing research partnership involving joint experimental planning, scientific exchange and follow-up visits. It is also expanding into new questions about how heterochromatin is first established during early development. The preliminary data and collaborative resources generated through the award are also strengthening future funding applications, including an ARC Future Fellowship application, with the result pending.
Overall, the award has created a strong foundation for long-term international collaboration, future publications and the continued development of an independent research program in chromatin biophysics.