Anat Cell Biol.  2010 Mar;43(1):78-85. 10.5115/acb.2010.43.1.78.

Chromatin organization and transcriptional activation of Hox genes

• Lee JY
• Min H
• Wang X
• Khan AA
• Kim MH

• KMID: 2168900
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5115/acb.2010.43.1.78

Abstract

Spatially and temporally programmed expression of the Hox genes along the antero-posterior (A-P) axis is essential for correct pattern formation during embryonic development. An accumulating body of evidence indicates the pivotal role of spatial chromatin organization for the coordination of gene regulation. Recently, chromosome conformation capture (3C) technique has been developed and opened a new way to study chromosomal interactions in the nucleus. In this study, we describe 3C method we applied in F9 embryonic teratocarcinoma cells and demonstrate that the chromosomal interactions at Hox loci are successfully detected. Interestingly, at Hoxc loci, the abundance of intrachromosomal interactions with neighboring fragments was drastically decreased when the genes are expressed. These results indicate the possibility of the dynamic pattern of chromosomal interaction in association with the transcriptional regulation of Hox genes.

Keyword

Hox genes; chromosome conformation capture; spatial organization; chromosomal interaction; gene expression

MeSH Terms

Axis, Cervical Vertebra
Chromatin
Embryonic Development
Female
Gene Expression
Genes, Homeobox
Pregnancy
Teratocarcinoma
Transcriptional Activation
Chromatin