Christopher Baker

Research/Areas of Interest

We explore the genetic and molecular regulatory system controlling the location and rate of meiotic recombination, the process that generates new genetic variation in sexually reproducing organisms. In eukaryotes, DNA is wrapped around histones to form nucleosomes, the basic unit of chromatin. Control of chromatin is essential for normal cellular and developmental biology, reproduction, and fundamental to our very understanding of genetics. Because genetic information occurs in chromatin, accessing DNA for gene regulation, replication, recombination, and repair requires precise control of nucleosome remodeling. Aberrations in remodeling and chromatin accessibility can lead to severe developmental disorders, infertility, and cancer.