Grant: Project Grant

The nucleus of each human cell contains approximately 2 metres of DNA. Cells must confine this enormous amount of genetic information within a microscopic space, while simultaneously maintaining the ability to access and utilize genes. To do this, cells must partition the genome into different compartments of the nucleus. Some regions of the genome remain accessible, while other regions are compacted. This very basic process is vital for cells to function and survive, but it remains very challenging to study, and is therefore poorly understood. We have uncovered several proteins that influence this process in retinal photoreceptors. When these proteins are removed, the retina degenerates, and the genome becomes disorganized. This proposal will study these proteins in detail, in order to untangle their role in genome organization, retinal function, and neurodegeneration. Our work will shed light on the role of this poorly understood process, and determine its contribution to retinal degeneration, which is an increasingly prevalent problem due to Canada's aging demographics.