Professor Ian Henderson

 

My group are investigating the control of meiotic recombination frequency in plant genomes by genetic and epigenetic factors. For example, we have worked extensively to show that crossover frequency is shaped by euchromatin and heterochromatin at the scale of hotspots and whole chromosomes. Using natural genetic variation we have identified the first recombination modifier loci that shape crossover frequency in different parts of the genome. We predominantly use the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana for our studies, but we are also seeking to translate this knowledge into agricultural species, for example wheat and tomato, in order to accelerate breeding as we adapt our crops to the changing climate. Most recently we have been using long read DNA sequencing, including nanopore, to assemble highly repetitive regions of plant genomes, for example the centromeres. We are interested to explore how chromatin and recombination pathways interact to control the repeat architecture of these regions.

 

 

Teaching

 

2020-present Professor of Genetics and Epigenetics, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge

2016-2020 Reader, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge

2012-2016 Lecturer, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge

2008-present Royal Society University Research Fellow and Gatsby Resident Fellow, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge

2004-2008 Postdoctoral Researcher with Professor Steve Jacobsen, University of California, Los Angeles

 

2000-2004 PhD Studentship in Plant Genetics, Supervisor Professor Dame Caroline Dean, John Innes Centre, UK

1997-2000 BA Biological Sciences, University of Oxford, UK

 

Websites

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All publications

 

2022 EMBO Member

2013 Society for Experimental Biology President's Medal

2008-2016 Royal Society University Research Fellow       

2008-2016 Gatsby University Research Fellow

2004-2008 EMBO Long Term Fellowship