Evaluation of the flatworm Macrostomum lignano as an in vivo epigenetic model system

The global DNA methylation status of the flatworm Macrostatum lignano, the (transgenerational) effect of inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases and histone deacetylases on stem cell dynamics and phenotypic endpoints will be investigated. RNAi will demonstrate what are the specific effects of epigenetic changes in stem cells. Different chemical stubstances will be screened for their epigenetic effects.