MRC National Institute for Medical Research, London
Science for Health
Dimitris Kioussis group
Chromatin structure, gene expression and lymphoid development
Immune cells comprise a major component of our arsenal to fight disease. In order for the B and T lymphocytes of the immune system to function appropriately and protect the body from pathogens (viruses, bacteria) and aberrant cells (cancer) they must express specific sets of genes. This specific pattern of gene expression constitutes the signature of the cell and defines its identity and function. It is therefore important to understand what controls the decisions to establish a specific gene expression programme.
We are studying how sequential gene expression patterns are controlled during the development of thymocytes to generate mature T cells. Our studies focus on two genes, CD2 and CD8, that are expressed during thymocyte differentiation. We are interested in identifying the chromatin structures established in open (expressing) or closed (non-expressing) states of these genes. In other studies, we are investigating the cellular and molecular requirements for lymphoid organ formation by in vivo and in vitro imaging of specific lymphoid cell types expressing fluorescent proteins.
Image of mouse chromosome 6
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Multi colour chromosome banding (MCB) with CD8a and CD4 gene probes.
Imaging of the lymphoid system and associated organs
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B Cell follicles: EYFP. T Cell zone: DsRed.
Selected publications
- Kioussis D and Pachnis V (2009)
Immune and nervous systems: more than just a superficial similarity?
Immunity 31, 705-710 PubMed abstract - Kioussis, D and Georgopoulos, K (2007)
Epigenetic flexibility underlying lineage choices in the adaptive immune system.
Science 317, 620-622 PubMed abstract - Veiga-Fernandes, H; Coles, MC; Foster, KE; Patel, A; Williams, A; Natarajan, D; Barlow, A; Pachnis, V and Kioussis, D (2007)
Tyrosine kinase receptor RET is a key regulator of Peyer's Patch organogenesis.
Nature 446, 547-551 PubMed abstract
Our research themes
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