In multi-cellular organisms, different functional compartments or organs/tissues are composed of cells sharing the same genome but with distinct performance. The information beyond sequence defines cell identity, and regulates gene expression. This layer of information, which we called epigenetic marks, are usually represented as chemical modifications. We study epigenetic regulation of gene expression, especially being interested in nucleic acid modifications.

One of the major focus is the modification on adenine. N6-methyladenosine, which presents both in DNA and RNA, was re-discovered in recent years and spotlighted by its prevalence and versatile functions. We are working on relevant tools, mechanisms and functions of DNA and RNA modifications in multiple organisms.