bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory),
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Dec. 11, 2024
Precise
control
of
gene
expression
is
essential
for
cellular
function,
but
the
mechanisms
by
which
enhancers
communicate
with
promoters
to
coordinate
this
process
are
not
fully
understood.
While
sequence-based
deep
learning
models
show
promise
in
predicting
enhancer-driven
expression,
experimental
validation
and
human-interpretable
mechanistic
insights
lag
behind.
Here,
we
present
EXTRA-seq
,
a
novel
EXT
ended
R
eporter
A
ssay
followed
seq
uencing
designed
quantify
enhancer
activity
endogenous
contexts
over
kilobase-scale
distances.
We
demonstrate
that
can
be
targeted
disease-relevant
loci
captures
changes
at
resolution
individual
transcription
factor
binding
sites,
enabling
discovery.
Using
engineered
synthetic
enhancer-promoter
combinations,
reveal
TATA-box
acts
as
dynamic
range
amplifier,
modulating
levels
function
strength.
Importantly,
find
integrating
state-of-the-art
plasmid-based
assays
improves
prediction
measured
EXTRA-seq.
These
findings
open
new
avenues
predictive
modeling
therapeutic
applications.
Overall,
our
work
provides
powerful
platform
interrogate
complex
interplay
between
promoters,
bridging
gap
silico
predictions
biological
mechanisms.
Nature Methods,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
21(6), P. 983 - 993
Published: May 9, 2024
Abstract
The
inability
to
scalably
and
precisely
measure
the
activity
of
developmental
cis
-regulatory
elements
(CREs)
in
multicellular
systems
is
a
bottleneck
genomics.
Here
we
develop
dual
RNA
cassette
that
decouples
detection
quantification
tasks
inherent
multiplex
single-cell
reporter
assays.
resulting
measurement
expression
accurate
over
multiple
orders
magnitude,
with
precision
approaching
limit
set
by
Poisson
counting
noise.
Together
barcode
stabilization
via
circularization,
these
scalable
quantitative
reporters
provide
high-contrast
readouts,
analogous
classic
situ
assays
but
entirely
from
sequencing.
Screening
>200
regions
accessible
chromatin
vitro
model
early
mammalian
development,
identify
13
(8
previously
uncharacterized)
autonomous
cell-type-specific
CREs.
We
further
demonstrate
chimeric
CRE
pairs
generate
cognate
two-cell-type
profiles
assess
gain-
loss-of-function
phenotypes
variants
perturbed
transcription
factor
binding
sites.
Single-cell
can
be
applied
quantitatively
characterize
native,
synthetic
CREs
at
scale,
high
sensitivity
resolution.
Genes
are
often
regulated
by
multiple
enhancers.
It
is
poorly
understood
how
the
individual
enhancer
activities
combined
to
control
promoter
activity.
Anecdotal
evidence
has
shown
that
enhancers
can
combine
sub-additively,
additively,
synergistically,
or
redundantly.
However,
it
not
clear
which
of
these
modes
more
frequent
in
mammalian
genomes.
Here,
we
systematically
tested
pairs
activate
promoters
using
a
three-way
combinatorial
reporter
assay
mouse
embryonic
stem
cells.
By
assaying
about
69,000
enhancer-enhancer-promoter
combinations
found
generally
near-additively.
This
behaviour
was
conserved
across
seven
developmental
tested.
Surprisingly,
scale
signals
non-linear
manner
depends
on
strength.
A
housekeeping
showed
an
overall
different
response
pairs,
and
smaller
dynamic
range.
Thus,
our
data
indicate
mostly
act
but
transform
their
collective
effect
non-linearly.
International Journal of Cancer,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Jan. 24, 2025
Abstract
An
aggressive
subtype
of
acute
myeloid
leukemia
(AML)
is
caused
by
enhancer
hijacking
resulting
in
MECOM
overexpression.
Several
chromosomal
rearrangements
can
lead
to
this:
the
most
common
(inv(3)/t(3;3))
results
a
hijacked
GATA2
enhancer,
and
there
are
several
atypical
involving
enhancers
from
other
hematopoietic
genes.
The
set
which
be
also
BCL11B
.
Enhancer
deregulation
driver
oncogenesis
range
malignancies.
mechanisms
observed
cancer
types,
including
TAD
boundary
disruptions
creation
de
novo
(super‐)
enhancers,
may
explain
overexpression
or
oncogenes
AML
without
upon
translocation.
Gaining
mechanistic
insight
both
super‐enhancer
activity
critical
pave
way
for
new
treatments
cancers
that
result
deregulation.
Enhancers
are
discrete
DNA
elements
that
regulate
the
expression
of
eukaryotic
genes.
They
important
not
only
for
their
regulatory
function,
but
also
as
loci
frequently
associated
with
disease
traits.
Despite
significance,
our
conceptual
understanding
how
enhancers
work
remains
limited.
CRISPR-interference
methods
have
recently
provided
means
to
systematically
screen
in
cell
culture,
from
which
a
formula
predicting
whether
an
enhancer
regulates
gene,
Activity-by-Contact
(ABC)
Score,
has
emerged
and
been
widely
adopted.
While
useful
binary
classifier,
it
is
less
effective
at
quantitative
effect
on
gene
expression.
It
unclear
algebraic
form
ABC
Score
arises
underlying
molecular
mechanisms
what
assumptions
needed
hold.
Here,
we
use
graph-theoretic
linear
framework,
previously
introduced
analyze
regulation,
formulate
default
model
,
mathematical
multiple
independently
gene.
We
show
this
model.
However,
imply
act
additively
steady-state
This
known
be
false
certain
genes
modifying
can
accommodate
discrepancy.
Overall,
approach
lays
rigorous,
biophysical
foundation
future
studies
enhancer-gene
regulation.
Enhancers
are
discrete
DNA
elements
that
regulate
the
expression
of
eukaryotic
genes.
They
important
not
only
for
their
regulatory
function,
but
also
as
loci
frequently
associated
with
disease
traits.
Despite
significance,
our
conceptual
understanding
how
enhancers
work
remains
limited.
CRISPR-interference
methods
have
recently
provided
means
to
systematically
screen
in
cell
culture,
from
which
a
formula
predicting
whether
an
enhancer
regulates
gene,
Activity-by-Contact
(ABC)
Score,
has
emerged
and
been
widely
adopted.
While
useful
binary
classifier,
it
is
less
effective
at
quantitative
effect
on
gene
expression.
It
unclear
algebraic
form
ABC
Score
arises
underlying
molecular
mechanisms
what
assumptions
needed
hold.
Here,
we
use
graph-theoretic
linear
framework,
previously
introduced
analyze
regulation,
formulate
default
model
,
mathematical
multiple
independently
gene.
We
show
this
model.
However,
imply
act
additively
steady-state
This
known
be
false
certain
genes
modifying
can
accommodate
discrepancy.
Overall,
approach
lays
rigorous,
biophysical
foundation
future
studies
enhancer-gene
regulation.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
26(8), P. 3788 - 3788
Published: April 17, 2025
Genome
organization
is
essential
for
precise
spatial
and
temporal
gene
expression
relies
on
interactions
between
promoters
distal
cis-regulatory
elements
(CREs),
which
constitute
~8%
of
the
human
genome.
For
cystic
fibrosis
transmembrane
conductance
regulator
(CFTR)
gene,
tissue-specific
expression,
especially
in
pancreas,
remains
poorly
understood.
Unraveling
its
regulation
could
clarify
clinical
heterogeneity
observed
CFTR-related
disorders.
To
understand
role
3D
chromatin
architecture
establishing
CFTR
we
mapped
epigenomic
Capan-1
pancreatic
cells.
Candidate
CREs
are
validated
by
luciferase
reporter
assay
CRISPR
knock-out.
We
identified
active
not
only
around
but
also
outside
topologically
associating
domain
(TAD).
demonstrate
involvement
multiple
upstream
downstream
reveal
a
cooperative
effect
−44
kb,
−35
+15.6
+37.7
kb
regions,
share
common
predicted
transcription
factor
(TF)
motifs.
extend
our
analysis
to
compare
conformation
intestinal
cells,
providing
valuable
insights
into
tissue
specificity
regulating
expression.
Epigenetics Communications,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
4(1)
Published: Dec. 24, 2024
The
7th
International
Conference
on
Epigenetics
&
Bioengineering
held
in
Amsterdam,
Netherlands
was
a
successful
event
covering
cutting-edge
research
utilizing
innovative
technologies
from
multidisciplinary
international
scientists
the
fields
of
epigenetics
and
bioengineering,
with
an
emphasis
development
disease.
This
conference
report
highlights
outstanding
presented
engaging
discussions
that
took
place.
Throughout
sessions,
leading
experts
demonstrated
novel
to
explore
epigenetic
mechanisms,
including
advanced
data
analysis
pipelines
bioengineered
systems.
Several
speakers
uncovered
emerging
fundamental
principles
how
these
insights
are
being
applied
address
(bio)medical
challenges,
underscoring
field
is
progressing
toward
(pre)clinical
applications
targeted
therapies.
featured
stimulating
causal
relationship
between
marks
transcription,
emphasizing
importance
standardizing
editing
methodologies.
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory),
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Dec. 3, 2024
Enhancers
are
discrete
DNA
elements
that
regulate
the
expression
of
eukaryotic
genes.
They
important
not
only
for
their
regulatory
function,
but
also
as
loci
frequently
associated
with
disease
traits.
Despite
significance,
our
conceptual
understanding
how
enhancers
work
remains
limited.
CRISPR-interference
methods
have
recently
provided
means
to
systematically
screen
in
cell
culture,
from
which
a
formula
predicting
whether
an
enhancer
regulates
gene,
Activity-by-Contact
(ABC)
Score,
has
emerged
and
been
widely
adopted.
While
useful
binary
classifier,
it
is
less
effective
at
quantitative
effect
on
gene
expression.
It
unclear
algebraic
form
ABC
Score
arises
underlying
molecular
mechanisms
what
assumptions
needed
hold.
Here,
we
use
graph-theoretic
linear
framework,
previously
introduced
analyze
regulation,
formulate