Baubec lab
A multitude of DNA sequence-dependent and -independent interactions coordinate the spatiotemporal recruitment of transcriptional regulators to the genome and are required for tissue-specific gene expression and cell identity. Interference or lack of specificity in this process results in defective embryonic development and can give rise to various human diseases, including cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms that mediate such precise interactions are not fully explored and the current challenge is to understand how gene regulatory processes are correctly recruited to the genome. We aim to cover this gap by a) dissecting how interactions between transcriptional or chromatin regulators and the genome are specified, and b) how these interactions impact chromatin and transcription during biological processes.

Towards this we combine various experimental and computational strategies, including genome and epigenome engineering, genome-wide studies, proteomics, single-cell measurements and computational modelling. We use mouse embryonic stem cells and their differentiation to neuronal and haematopoietic cells as our main model system. This integrative approach allows us to understand gene regulatory mechanisms in a quantitative and functional manner.