First Author | Noordermeer D | Year | 2011 |
Journal | Nat Cell Biol | Volume | 13 |
Issue | 8 | Pages | 944-51 |
PubMed ID | 21706023 | Mgi Jnum | J:264340 |
Mgi Id | MGI:6195131 | Doi | 10.1038/ncb2278 |
Citation | Noordermeer D, et al. (2011) Variegated gene expression caused by cell-specific long-range DNA interactions. Nat Cell Biol 13(8):944-51 |
abstractText | Mammalian genomes contain numerous regulatory DNA sites with unknown target genes. We used mice with an extra beta-globin locus control region (LCR) to investigate how a regulator searches the genome for target genes. We find that the LCR samples a restricted nuclear subvolume, wherein it preferentially contacts genes controlled by shared transcription factors. No contacted gene is detectably upregulated except for endogenous beta-globin genes located on another chromosome. This demonstrates genetically that mammalian trans activation is possible, but suggests that it will be rare. Trans activation occurs not pan-cellularly, but in 'jackpot' cells enriched for the interchromosomal interaction. Therefore, cell-specific long-range DNA contacts can cause variegated expression. |