Mary Gehring, Ph.D.

Research

Epigenetics refers to heritable information that influences genome function but is not encoded in the DNA. A properly patterned epigenome is critical for developmental and reproductive success in a diverse array of organisms. We use genetic, genomic, and molecular biology approaches to study aspects of epigenomic reprogramming during plant reproduction primarily in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. We are pursuing an understanding of seeds at the epigenomic level from gamete specification to seed maturity by integrating data from genome-wide DNA methylation, RNA, and chromatin profiling experiments. We are particularly focused on the interplay among repetitive sequences, DNA methylation, and chromatin structure to understand epigenomic reprogramming in the context of a whole organism.