Robert A. Martienssen

Robert A. Martienssen is the William J. Matheson Professor and head of genomics and plant genetics at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL). He is also a member of the Cancer Center at CSHL and an Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Martienssen is a pioneer in the study of epigenetics who analyzes the regulation of transposable elements (TEs), or “jumping genes,” in plant gametes to understand how they can disrupt proper gene function and plant reproduction. He primarily works with maize, yeast, and the weed Arabidopsis, By studying how TEs are controlled in plant germ cells, Martienssen aims to gain a deeper understanding of how plants reproduce – both sexually and asexually via cloning – which could provide promising information for plant breeders. He and his colleagues have shed light on a phenomenon called position-effect variegation, caused by inactivation of a gene positioned near densely packed chromosomal material called heterochromatin.  

Martienssen completed his B.A. and Ph.D. at Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge.