Chromatin Architecture in Gene Regulation and Disease

Eukaryotic genomes are packaged at multiple levels to solve a critical “space” problem in the nucleus while simultaneously facilitating the function of DNA. How the chromatin organization orchestrates the gene activity is still poorly understood.

Eukaryotic chromatin is folded into multiple layers of hierarchical structures, consisting of at least four levels from large to fine: Chromosome territories (CT), compartment A and B, topologically associating domains (TAD), and chromatin loops. These features provide the structural framework for the 3D organization of the various genomic activities including but not limited to gene transcription, DNA replication, DNA recombination, and DNA damage. Defects in chromatin organization can lead to disease by affecting the interactions between regulatory elements, susceptibility of the genome to DNA damage, and translocation. The organization of chromatin is mediated by chromatin architectural proteins which have been shown to be involved in various diseases.

This Research Topic aims to gather a collection of original research and review articles providing insights on the role of chromatin architecture in gene regulation and diseases. Studies on novel technologies, patient-derived findings, and genome folding engineering are also welcome. Uncovering the underlying mechanisms will not only benefit the basic science of chromatin but also provide potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of human diseases.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

- Mechanisms of chromatin folding and gene regulation
- Chromatin organization in DNA replication
- Chromatin organization in DNA repair and translocations
- Enhancer-promoter communication
- Stochasticity and heterogeneity in chromatin organization and function
- Chromatin architectural proteins in human diseases
- The application of model organisms to the study of the chromatin organization
- New technologies for exploring higher-order structure and chromatin dynamics
- Engineering three-dimensional genome folding