Stefan Grob

Dr. Stefan Grob is a researcher at the University of Zurich in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology. His work focuses on the functional roles of three-dimensional (3D) chromosomal architecture and its interplay with the epigenetic landscape and DNA sequence. He employs state-of-the-art molecular techniques like Hi-C and classic genetics to explore how 3D-genome organization influences cellular mechanisms and evolutionary processes.

The research on 3D-genome architecture highlights the significance of chromatin folding in biological functions, particularly through structures like the KNOT, formed by KEEs enriched in transposable elements and small RNAs. This KNOT system acts as a genome immune mechanism, regulating gene expression and genome stability.

His recent publications reflect advancements in understanding chromatin interactions, genome evolution, and the development of bioinformatics tools like HiCdat for Hi-C data analysis. Key trends in his work include the study of 3D contacts in gene regulation, epigenetic silencing of invasive DNA elements, and the evolution of nuclear architecture in plants.

Dr. Grob collaborates closely with Prof. Ueli Grossniklaus, particularly on Arabidopsis thaliana research, and contributes to interdisciplinary projects involving genome assemblies, -omics data analysis, and transcriptional regulation via 3D chromatin contacts.