UT SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOW ARNOLD KRISTJUHAN RECEIVES 15,000,000 EEK RESEARCH GRANT
28.05.2007
The aim of the project is to throw light on the regulatory mechanisms governing the expression of genetic information in cells. The reading of the information encoded in the DNA, known as ‘transcription’, is governed by various mechanisms among the most important of which is the packaging of DNA into an orderly structure called chromatin. Chromatin consists of DNA and the proteins closely related to it—the histones. Depending on the particular modification of histones, chromatin can be more or less compact, translating respectively into a harder or easier accessibility of DNA to the cellular components required for transcription.
The aim of the research project is to establish which of the histone modifications are used to regulate the accessibility of DNA that has been packaged into chromatin to the proteins that participate in transcription, and to show how the structure of chromatin is restored after transcription has been completed. Throwing light on these questions is important for understanding the regulatory mechanisms governing the expression of genetic information in cells and showing what opportunities exist for using chromatin to influence the expression of genes so as to treat various genetic diseases.
According to Dr. Ain Heinaru, Vice Rector for Research of the University of Tartu, the award of another Wellcome Trust grant to a research project of UT scientists demonstrates the persistently strong research potential of the University of Tartu. “The fact that an international organisation of the stature of Wellcome Trust has decided to support our researchers’ projects is an important recognition to the University. It shows that we are at the forefront of world science,” the Vice Rector said.
The other University of Tartu researchers who have been awarded the International Senior Research Fellow grant are Dr. Pärt Peterson, Dr. Maris Laan, Dr. Tanel Tenson, Dr. Andres Merits and Dr. Mart Loog. The grant covers the cost of the materials, equipment and labour required to implement the awardee’s research project during a five-year period. Dr. Kristjuhan intends to commence with his project in January 2008.
Additional information: Professor Juhan Sedman, phone +372 737 5837, e-mail: %20juhan [dot] sedman [ät] ut [dot] ee
Anneli Maaring
UT Press Representative
phone +372 737 5683; +372 515 0184
%20anneli [dot] maaring [ät] ut [dot] ee
/64160
The aim of the research project is to establish which of the histone modifications are used to regulate the accessibility of DNA that has been packaged into chromatin to the proteins that participate in transcription, and to show how the structure of chromatin is restored after transcription has been completed. Throwing light on these questions is important for understanding the regulatory mechanisms governing the expression of genetic information in cells and showing what opportunities exist for using chromatin to influence the expression of genes so as to treat various genetic diseases.
According to Dr. Ain Heinaru, Vice Rector for Research of the University of Tartu, the award of another Wellcome Trust grant to a research project of UT scientists demonstrates the persistently strong research potential of the University of Tartu. “The fact that an international organisation of the stature of Wellcome Trust has decided to support our researchers’ projects is an important recognition to the University. It shows that we are at the forefront of world science,” the Vice Rector said.
The other University of Tartu researchers who have been awarded the International Senior Research Fellow grant are Dr. Pärt Peterson, Dr. Maris Laan, Dr. Tanel Tenson, Dr. Andres Merits and Dr. Mart Loog. The grant covers the cost of the materials, equipment and labour required to implement the awardee’s research project during a five-year period. Dr. Kristjuhan intends to commence with his project in January 2008.
Additional information: Professor Juhan Sedman, phone +372 737 5837, e-mail: %20juhan [dot] sedman [ät] ut [dot] ee
Anneli Maaring
UT Press Representative
phone +372 737 5683; +372 515 0184
%20anneli [dot] maaring [ät] ut [dot] ee
/64160