Decoding evolution and development: from gene regulatory structure to function

14 December 2018

Justin Crocker
EMBL, Heidelberg

Abstract

Transcription factors bind low-affinity DNA sequences for only short durations. It is not clear how brief, low-affinity interactions can drive efficient transcription. Here, I will discuss our ongoing efforts in the Crocker group to explore the role of these biological interactions in determining precise patterns of gene expression. Our work takes advantage of genome engineering technologies, synthetic biology, high-throughput robotics, and single-molecule imaging techniques in live embryos, creating a cross-cutting approach to developmental systems biology. I will discuss how these findings deepen our understanding of gene regulatory functions during animal development and evolution.