Extensive promoter-centered chromatin interactions provide a topological basis for transcription regulation

Cell. 2012 Jan 20;148(1-2):84-98. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2011.12.014.

Abstract

Higher-order chromosomal organization for transcription regulation is poorly understood in eukaryotes. Using genome-wide Chromatin Interaction Analysis with Paired-End-Tag sequencing (ChIA-PET), we mapped long-range chromatin interactions associated with RNA polymerase II in human cells and uncovered widespread promoter-centered intragenic, extragenic, and intergenic interactions. These interactions further aggregated into higher-order clusters, wherein proximal and distal genes were engaged through promoter-promoter interactions. Most genes with promoter-promoter interactions were active and transcribed cooperatively, and some interacting promoters could influence each other implying combinatorial complexity of transcriptional controls. Comparative analyses of different cell lines showed that cell-specific chromatin interactions could provide structural frameworks for cell-specific transcription, and suggested significant enrichment of enhancer-promoter interactions for cell-specific functions. Furthermore, genetically-identified disease-associated noncoding elements were found to be spatially engaged with corresponding genes through long-range interactions. Overall, our study provides insights into transcription regulation by three-dimensional chromatin interactions for both housekeeping and cell-specific genes in human cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Chromatin / metabolism*
  • Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
  • Enhancer Elements, Genetic
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Genome-Wide Association Study
  • Humans
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic*
  • RNA Polymerase II / metabolism*
  • Transcription, Genetic*

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • RNA Polymerase II