An RNA interference based genetic screen for novel epigenetic modifiers involved in mammalian X inactivation. All the information required to form an adult human is contained in the DNA of the fertilized egg. Development is achieved by a complex orchestration of genes being switched on and off, controlled by proteins called epigenetic modifiers. Sometimes this goes awry, leading to disease. Despite their vital role, only around ten percent of the potential epigenetic modifiers have been characte ....An RNA interference based genetic screen for novel epigenetic modifiers involved in mammalian X inactivation. All the information required to form an adult human is contained in the DNA of the fertilized egg. Development is achieved by a complex orchestration of genes being switched on and off, controlled by proteins called epigenetic modifiers. Sometimes this goes awry, leading to disease. Despite their vital role, only around ten percent of the potential epigenetic modifiers have been characterized in humans, making it impossible to interpret how they work together, or when they fail. We will develop a novel screen-based technology to find hundreds more true epigenetic modifiers. This technology will aid us and other Australian scientists to understand the role of epigenetics in normal development and disease, ultimately leading to better public health.Read moreRead less