CTCF-mediated functional chromatin interactome in pluripotent cells

Nat Genet. 2011 Jun 19;43(7):630-8. doi: 10.1038/ng.857.

Abstract

Mammalian genomes are viewed as functional organizations that orchestrate spatial and temporal gene regulation. CTCF, the most characterized insulator-binding protein, has been implicated as a key genome organizer. However, little is known about CTCF-associated higher-order chromatin structures at a global scale. Here we applied chromatin interaction analysis by paired-end tag (ChIA-PET) sequencing to elucidate the CTCF-chromatin interactome in pluripotent cells. From this analysis, we identified 1,480 cis- and 336 trans-interacting loci with high reproducibility and precision. Associating these chromatin interaction loci with their underlying epigenetic states, promoter activities, enhancer binding and nuclear lamina occupancy, we uncovered five distinct chromatin domains that suggest potential new models of CTCF function in chromatin organization and transcriptional control. Specifically, CTCF interactions demarcate chromatin-nuclear membrane attachments and influence proper gene expression through extensive cross-talk between promoters and regulatory elements. This highly complex nuclear organization offers insights toward the unifying principles that govern genome plasticity and function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CCCTC-Binding Factor
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chromatin / chemistry
  • Chromatin / genetics*
  • Chromatin / metabolism*
  • Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Embryo, Mammalian / cytology
  • Embryo, Mammalian / metabolism*
  • Epigenomics
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Genes, Regulator*
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Mice
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / genetics
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • Repressor Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics
  • Repressor Proteins / metabolism*
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • CCCTC-Binding Factor
  • Chromatin
  • Ctcf protein, mouse
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Repressor Proteins

Associated data

  • GEO/GSE28247