CRC 1748 - A01: Epigenetic mechanisms in the physiological development and malignant transformation of primordial germ cells

Basic data for this project

Description

Mismigration and accompanying transformation of primordial germ cells during embryo development can lead to infertility and rhabdoid tumours. These tumours are associated with mutations in the SMARCB1 gene, resulting in epigenetic dysregulation. This project gains insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying the transformation of germ cells. Using comprehensive gene-knockout analyses in in vitro models, the relevance of particular genes for the function of germ-cell development will be assessed. This will shed light on the pathomechanisms of male infertility and may be translated into treatment strategies for children with rhabdoid tumours.