G-quadruplexes are transcription factor binding hubs in human chromatin.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The binding of transcription factors (TF) to genomic targets is critical in the regulation of gene expression. Short, double-stranded DNA sequence motifs are routinely implicated in TF recruitment, but many questions remain on how binding site specificity is governed.

Results

Herein, we reveal a previously unappreciated role for DNA secondary structures as key features for TF recruitment. In a systematic, genome-wide study, we discover that endogenous G-quadruplex secondary structures (G4s) are prevalent TF binding sites in human chromatin. Certain TFs bind G4s with affinities comparable to double-stranded DNA targets. We demonstrate that, in a chromatin context, this binding interaction is competed out with a small molecule. Notably, endogenous G4s are prominent

SUBMITTER: Spiegel J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8063395 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature