Chromatin conformation signatures of cellular differentiation

Genome Biol. 2009;10(4):R37. doi: 10.1186/gb-2009-10-4-r37. Epub 2009 Apr 19.

Abstract

One of the major genomics challenges is to better understand how correct gene expression is orchestrated. Recent studies have shown how spatial chromatin organization is critical in the regulation of gene expression. Here, we developed a suite of computer programs to identify chromatin conformation signatures with 5C technology http://Dostielab.biochem.mcgill.ca. We identified dynamic HoxA cluster chromatin conformation signatures associated with cellular differentiation. Genome-wide chromatin conformation signature identification might uniquely identify disease-associated states and represent an entirely novel class of human disease biomarkers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Chromatin / chemistry
  • Chromatin / genetics
  • Chromatin / metabolism*
  • Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly
  • Computer Simulation
  • Gene Expression / drug effects
  • Gene Library
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis / methods
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Software*
  • Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate / pharmacology

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • HoxA protein
  • Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate