Enhancer Function: Mechanistic and Genome-Wide Insights Come Together

Enhancers establish spatial or temporal patterns of gene expression that are critical for development, yet our understanding of how these DNA cis-regulatory elements function from a distance to increase transcription of their target genes and shape the cellular transcriptome has been gleaned primari...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Molecular cell 2014-07, Vol.55 (1), p.5-14
Main Authors: Plank, Jennifer L., Dean, Ann
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chromatin
DNA Methylation
Enhancer Elements, Genetic - physiology
Gene Expression Regulation
Genome
Models, Genetic
RNA Polymerase II - metabolism
RNA Polymerase II - physiology
RNA, Untranslated - genetics
Transcription Factors - genetics
Transcription Factors - metabolism
Transcription, Genetic
Transcriptome
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Summary:Enhancers establish spatial or temporal patterns of gene expression that are critical for development, yet our understanding of how these DNA cis-regulatory elements function from a distance to increase transcription of their target genes and shape the cellular transcriptome has been gleaned primarily from studies of individual genes or gene families. High-throughput sequencing studies place enhancer-gene interactions within the 3D context of chromosome folding, inviting a new look at enhancer function and stimulating provocative new questions. Here, we integrate these whole-genome studies with recent mechanistic studies to illuminate how enhancers physically interact with target genes, how enhancer activity is regulated during development, and the role of noncoding RNAs transcribed from enhancers in their function.
ISSN:1097-2765
1097-4164
DOI:10.1016/j.molcel.2014.06.015