RAKIDUAM - Knowledge

The Center for Genome Regulation (CGR) is interested in discovering how organisms handle the diverse and variable conditions of the media they inhabit, by using the regulation of the expression of their genes. The genome of an organism is invariant, but is capable of handling biotic or abiotic stress situations, modifying the structure of the chromatin (epigenetic) and modulating the regula- tory networks that enable it to maintain cellular homeostasis. For this they study the genome- epigenome relationship in isolated cells and in complete organisms under various conditions, parti- cularly those that involve processes of differentiation or adaptation to extreme situations. Their study models are extremophile organisms, which inhabit the world’s driest desert in the north of Chile, as well as microorganisms, plants and laboratory animals. They have also conducted the first genomic studies on native Chilean people, in order to contribute towards identifying aspects that are unique to the national genetic heritage. The CRG is exploring the genetic heritage of Chilean species, which is essential in order to know the country’s natural wealth. This will not only provide valuable scientific information, but will also open the door to using this information in benefit of rational and efficient exploitation of the environment. Principal Institution: Universidad de Chile. Associated Institutions: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and Universidad Andrés Bello. 55 Center for Genome Regulation (CGR) Lines of Research Genome sequencing of native Chilean species of economic interest and of the country’s indigenous people. Design of bioinformatics tools for the analysis of large-scale biological data (omics). Creation of models that enable us to understand how the genome is regulated and how it can be modified for biotechnical applications.