The role of epigenetic modifiers on germline development and inheritance of epigenetic information

Eggs and sperm carry the information required for the formation of every new individual. This includes an individual’s genes and substantial non-genetic, or epigenetic, information that is required to control activity of the genes. My thesis explores how epigenetic information in the egg affects development and disease in offspring. My research identified new functions for an epigenetic enzyme complex in maternal inheritance. In addition, I showed that specific anti-cancer drugs can inhibit this enzyme in oocytes, with potentially harmful impacts on offspring. This improves our understanding of how environmental factors, such as drugs or diet, affect health outcomes in children.