Description:

The Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics presents:

Robert G. Roeder, PhD
Arnold and Mabel Beckman Professor
Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The Rockefeller University

Transcriptional regulation by gene- and cell-specific DNA-binding factors underlies key events in development, cell differentiation and transformation. However, their effects on specific genes depend upon complex arrays of cofactors (co-activators and co-repressors) whose biochemical mechanisms are not completely understood. These cofactors include both chromatin remodeling/histone modifying factors (e.g., histone acetyl-transferases and methyl-transferases) and other factors (e.g., Mediator and TAFs) that facilitate more direct communication between promoter-bound regulatory factors and the general transcription machinery. Emphasizing biochemical studies with cell-free systems reconstituted with recombinant chromatin templates and purified transcription factors, as well as cell-based and genetic analyses, the cooperative functions and mechanism of action of various co-activators will be discussed in relation to gene regulation by selected activators (p53, nuclear receptors, B cell factors, or leukemic fusion proteins).