Robert Martienssen

Robert Martienssen is the William J. Matheson Professor at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Investigator. He leads research in epigenetics, focusing on the secondary genetic code known as the epigenome and how it is guided by small mobile RNAs in plants and fission yeast. His work has significant implications for plant breeding, human health, and the development of plant-based biofuels. Martienssen is also a member of the CSHL Cancer Center and serves as Chair of the Genomics/Plant Biology Program.

Dr. Martienssen's research interests center on epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation, including chemical and conformational changes to DNA and chromatin. As a pioneer in epigenetics, he investigates mechanisms involved in gene regulation and stem cell fate in yeast and model plants including Arabidopsis and maize. His lab has made groundbreaking discoveries about position-effect variegation, small RNA molecules programming heterochromatin, and the remarkable process by which companion cells to sperm in plant pollen grains provide instructions that protect sperm DNA from transposon damage. His group has also identified transposons controlling oil palm yield, which could reduce environmental impacts of palm oil production.

Analysis of Martienssen's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on epigenetic inheritance mechanisms, particularly how small RNAs guide epigenetic modifications across generations. His work bridges fundamental plant biology with practical applications in agriculture and bioenergy. The research spans multiple model systems including maize, Arabidopsis, duckweed, and fission yeast, demonstrating his comprehensive approach to understanding epigenetic regulation across diverse biological contexts.

• Royal Society Darwin Medal (2020) for outstanding contributions to genetics and epigenetics
• Genetics Society Medal (2024) recognizing exceptional research contributions to genetics
• Barbara McClintock Prize (2018) for plant genetics and genome studies
• Martin Gibbs Medal (2019) in Plant Sciences
• American Academy of Arts and Sciences Fellow (2022)

Martienssen's laboratory has trained numerous students and postdocs who have gone on to establish independent research careers. His work on transposable elements builds on the legacy of Barbara McClintock, with whom he worked early in his career. The lab receives funding from multiple sources including HHMI, NSF, and DOE, supporting research on plant epigenetics and its applications to bioenergy production. Martienssen also co-founded Orion Genomics, demonstrating the translational potential of his basic research.

The Martienssen Lab maintains active collaborations with researchers worldwide, particularly in the areas of plant epigenomics and transposable element biology. The lab has been instrumental in developing genomic resources for aquatic plants like duckweed as potential biofuel sources. Current research directions include understanding RNA-guided epigenetic inheritance, the role of transposable elements in genome evolution, and applying epigenetic knowledge to improve crop breeding strategies.