Dr Ian Henderson, Royal Society University Research Fellow, Gatsby University Research Fellow
Meiosis and Epigenetic Inheritance
We are interested in chromosomal biology during meiosis; the specialised cell division that generates gametes required for sexual reproduction. A unique feature of meiosis is that homologous chromosomes pair and undergo recombination, or crossing-over. This exchange of genetic information has important implications for fertility, breeding and understanding patterns of natural variation. It has long been appreciated that crossover distributions are non-random along chromosomes; for example, interference reduces the likelihood of adjacent crossovers. We are investigating the mechanisms that are responsible for these distributions using a combination of genetics and genomics in model plant species, primarily Arabidopsis thaliana.
Building from previous research we are interested in investigating how different types of epigenetic information, for example cytosine DNA methylation, might influence meiosis and recombination. We are also interested why different types of epigenetic information are inherited differently through meiosis. Finally, we are also interested in how meiosis is switched on at the right time and place from a developmental perspective.
Interested applicants should contact me directly by email with their c.v.
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Department of Plant Sciences
University of Cambridge
Downing Site Downing Street
CAMBRIDGE CB2 3EA
Email: irh25@cam.ac.uk
Office +44 (0)1223 748977
DAPI stained anther squash from Arabidopsis thaliana, showing meiocytes nearing the end of the first meiotic division. The 5 paired chromosomes are visible as they begin to segregate.