Epigenetics is defined as the study of the mechanism that produces phenotypic effects from gene activity during differentiation and development, or heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve changes in gene sequence. Research interests of Memili Lab include two mechanisms of epigenetics, namely DNA methylation and post-translational modifications of core histone proteins.

DNA methylation is an essential element of mammalian development and it is developmentally regulated. DNA methylation patterns are reprogrammed in two developmental periods: in germ cells and in early preimplantation embryos. Epigenetic reprogramming in germ cells is critical for imprinting, and reprogramming in early embryos also affects imprinting. Memili Lab is interested in defining the reprogramming of DNA methylation in IVF and SCNT derived bovine and porcine embryos.

Post-translational modifications of core histone proteins, namely H2A, H2B, H3 and H4 influence gene expression from eukaryotic DNA templates. Memili Lab is interested in better understanding dynamics of histone acetylation/deacetylation and methylation and their effects on development during bovine and porcine pre-implantation embryogenesis.