Project description:PU.1 is a prototype master transcription factor (TF) of hematopoietic cell differentiation with diverse roles in different lineages. Analysis of its genome-wide binding pattern across PU.1 expressing cell types revealed manifold cell type-specific binding patterns. They are not consistent with the epigenetic and chromatin constraints to PU.1 binding observed in vitro, suggesting that PU.1 requires auxiliary factors to access DNA in vivo. Using a model of transient mRNA expression we show that PU.1 induction leads to the extensive remodeling of chromatin, redistribution of partner transcription factors and rapid initiation of a myeloid gene expression program in heterologous cell types. By probing PU.1 mutants for defects in chromatin access and screening for PU.1 proximal proteins in vivo, we found that its N-terminal acidic domain was required for the recruitment of SWI/SNF remodeling complexes, de novo chromatin access and stable binding as well as the redistribution of partner TFs.
Project description:Genome-wide comparisons of transcription factor binding sites in different species allow for a direct evaluation of the evolutionary constraints that shape transcription factor binding landscapes. To gain insights into the evolution of the PPARg-dependent transcriptional network, we obtained binding data for PPARg, RXR and PU.1 in human macrophages and compared the profiles to matching data from mouse macrophages (Lefterova et al. 2010 (PMID 20176806); GSE21314). We found that PPARg binding was highly divergent and only 5% of the PPARg-bound regions were occupied in both species. Despite the low conservation of PPARg binding sites, conserved PPARg target genes contribute more than 30% to the functional target genes identified in human macrophages. In addition, conserved target genes are strongly enriched for lipid metabolic functions. We detected the lineage-specification factor PU.1 at the majority of human PPARg binding sites. This confirmed the juxtaposed binding configuration found in mouse macrophages and demonstrated the preservation of tissue-specific adjacent PPARg-Pu.1 binding in the absence of individual binding site conservation. Finally, based on this PPARg and PU.1 binding between human and mouse, we suggest a mechanism by which PU.1 facilitates PPARg binding site turnover in macrophages. Genome-wide location analysis for 3 transcription factors (PPARg, RXR and PU.1) in a human monocytic cell line (THP-1). This submission represents the human binding data component of the study.
Project description:We collected whole genome testis expression data from hybrid zone mice. We integrated GWAS mapping of testis expression traits and low testis weight to gain insight into the genetic basis of hybrid male sterility.
Project description:To characterize the genetic basis of hybrid male sterility in detail, we used a systems genetics approach, integrating mapping of gene expression traits with sterility phenotypes and QTL. We measured genome-wide testis expression in 305 male F2s from a cross between wild-derived inbred strains of M. musculus musculus and M. m. domesticus. We identified several thousand cis- and trans-acting QTL contributing to expression variation (eQTL). Many trans eQTL cluster into eleven ‘hotspots,’ seven of which co-localize with QTL for sterility phenotypes identified in the cross. The number and clustering of trans eQTL - but not cis eQTL - were substantially lower when mapping was restricted to a ‘fertile’ subset of mice, providing evidence that trans eQTL hotspots are related to sterility. Functional annotation of transcripts with eQTL provides insights into the biological processes disrupted by sterility loci and guides prioritization of candidate genes. Using a conditional mapping approach, we identified eQTL dependent on interactions between loci, revealing a complex system of epistasis. Our results illuminate established patterns, including the role of the X chromosome in hybrid sterility.