The laboratory of Dr. Martin Montecino is addressing epigenetic mechanisms that control chromatin remodelling and transcriptional activity during mammalian cell lineage commitment. Particular attention is dedicated to study these mechanisms during mesenchymal-osteoblast differentiation, concentrating the efforts in bone-specific genes that are regulated in response to extra cellular stimuli, including Vitamin D3 and BMP. During the last few years, the research focus has been also directed towards defining epigenetic mechanisms controlling the expression of genes associated with neuronal differentiation and function. Among the specific scientific questions that are currently addressed by the team we find: 1) defining molecular determinants that mediate the specific recruitment of regulatory complexes that remodel chromatin and facilitate transcription to target genes, including the contribution of tissue-specific transcription factors as well as short and long non-coding RNAs, among others. 2) Assessing epigenetic mechanisms that control osteoblast- and neuron-specific transcription. 3) Defining mechanisms associated with BMP-2- and vitamin D3-enhanced transcription of bone-related genes.