Variegated gene expression caused by cell-specific long-range DNA interactions

ABSTRACT: Mammalian genomes contain numerous DNA elements with potential transcription regulatory function but unknown target genes. We used transgenic, gain-of-function mice with an ectopic copy of the beta-globin locus control region (LCR) to better understand how regulatory elements dynamically search the genome for target genes. We find that the LCR samples a restricted nuclear sub-volume in which it forms preferential contacts with genes controlled by shared transcription factors. One contacted gene, betah1, located on another chromosome, is upregulated, providing genetic demonstration that mammalian enhancers can function between chromosomes. Upregulation is not pan-cellular but confined to selected ‘jackpot’ cells significantly enriched for inter-chromosomal LCR-betah1 interactions. This impl

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

SUBMITTER: Elzo de Wit 

PROVIDER: E-GEOD-24614 | biostudies-arrayexpress |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-arrayexpress