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PubMed2026

ChromBERT-tools: a versatile toolkit for context-specific regulatory representations of transcription regulators across different cell types.

SUMMARY: Representations that encode the genome-wide regulatory behavior of transcription regulators provide a foundation for flexible transcription modeling and in silico regulatory analysis. Existing regulator representations are commonly derived from gene co-expression, motif annotations, or static protein features, which capture useful but limited aspects of regulator identity but do not directly model how regulators participate in region-specific regulatory programs across the genome. ChromBERT addresses this gap by learning context-aware regulatory representations from large-scale ChIP-seq data. However, routine bioinformatics applications require lightweight, accessible, and modular tools for generating, adapting, and interpreting these representations in user-defined biological contexts. Here, we present ChromBERT-tools, a user-oriented toolkit built upon ChromBERT that converts its regulatory representation framework into practical workflows for customizable analysis across cellular contexts. ChromBERT-tools provides command-line interfaces and Python APIs organized into three functional layers: representation generation, predictive modeling, and regulatory interpretation. The representation generation layer produces representations of genomic regions and transcription regulators. The predictive modeling layer fine-tunes ChromBERT for genome-wide regulatory activity prediction through classification or regression tasks, with optimized implementation to reduce running time and computational resource requirements. The regulatory interpretation layer supports inference of the context-specific roles of cis-regulatory elements and transcription regulators. These modules can be used independently or integrated into end-to-end workflows, enabling flexible analyses across diverse datasets. ChromBERT-tools lowers the barrier to applying context-specific regulatory representations in routine genomic analyses. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: ChromBERT-tools is freely available at https://github.com/TongjiZhanglab/ChromBERT-tools, with documentation at https://chrombert-tools.readthedocs.io/en/latest/. A frozen archival snapshot is available on Zenodo under DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20094206.

Software↗

PubMed2026

Chiron3D: an interpretable deep learning framework for understanding the DNA code of chromatin looping.

MOTIVATION: Three-dimensional folding of the genome into structures such as chromatin loops is essential for gene regulation. Current experimental methods for mapping these structures, like Hi-C and HiChIP, are labor-intensive and require repeated assays to test hypothesized mutation effects. This motivates the need for predictive approaches that reveal the sequence determinants of chromatin loops. RESULTS: In this work, we present a novel and interpretable computational pipeline for predicting CTCF-mediated chromatin loops. We propose Chiron3D, a DNA-only model trained in a cell-type specific manner to predict CTCF HiChIP contact maps. By leveraging pre-trained embeddings from a foundation model, our approach is competitive with baselines that take CTCF ChIP-seq as additional input, while enabling nucleotide-level attribution to the input DNA sequence. Using our framework, we provide likely mechanistic insights into the physical control of loop dynamics. Specifically, we find that the strength of the loop extrusion anchorage site is largely governed by the amount and binding affinity of CTCF sites at the boundaries. Furthermore, we reveal that loop stability is regulated by the amount of intra-loop CTCF binding sites, where fewer intra-loop sites are associated with greater loop stability. Using targeted, single-nucleotide edit simulations with Chiron3D, we show that both loop strength and stability can be precisely controlled. Together, these results provide novel mechanistic insights into the physical control of genome organization and highlight the potential of decoding the DNA sequence logic in silico. AVAILABILITY: The Chiron3D pipeline is made available at https://github.com/BoevaLab/Chiron3D.

Chromatin↗

PubMed2026

ATX1-COMPASS-like complex participates in the bud dormancy release of tree peony by regulating H3K4me3 modification.

Bud dormancy release in woody plants is crucial for survival, regrowth, flowering, and fruiting. Tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa), an important ornamental and economic plant, undergoes bud endodormancy in winter, and sufficient chilling duration and exogenous gibberellins (GAs) can effectively break the dormancy. However, the epigenetic regulation mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, immunoblotting revealed that H3K4me3, but not H3K4me1 or H3K4me2, was associated with chilling- and GA3-induced dormancy release. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) combined with RNA-seq results revealed that H3K4me3 enriched near transcription start sites (TSS). H3K4me3 enrichment genes (HEGs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were commonly enriched in KEGG pathways, such as plant hormone signal transduction and MAPK signaling. The expression patterns of these marker genes, such as EARLY BUD-BREAK 3 (PsEBB3), CYCLIND3.1 (PsCYCD3.1), CYCLIND3.3 (PsCYCD3.3), and β-1,3-glucanase 6 (PsBG6), were correlated with their H3K4me3 enrichment and were validated by chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative PCR (ChIP-qPCR). Four COMPASS-like component homologs and one histone methyltransferase were screened; among them, PsWDR5a, PsRBL, PsASH2R, and PsATX1 were upregulated by prolonged chilling and GA3 treatments. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H), yeast three-hybrid (Y3H), luciferase complementation (LCA), and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) analyses revealed that PsRBL interacts with PsWDR5a and PsASH2R as a bridge. PsATX1 was confirmed as an H3K4me3 methyltransferase and interacted with PsWDR5a and PsRBL to form the PsATX1-COMPASS-like complex using Y2H, LCA, and Co-IP assays. Functional analyses showed that PsWDR5a, PsRBL, PsASH2R, and PsATX1 significantly promoted budburst by elevating genomic H3K4me3 levels. Our findings provide insights into the epigenetic regulation of dormancy transitions in woody perennials.

Histones↗

PubMed2025

Alevin-fry-atac enables rapid and memory frugal mapping of single-cell ATAC-seq data using virtual colors for accurate genomic pseudoalignment.

Ultrafast mapping of short reads via lightweight mapping techniques such as pseudoalignment has significantly accelerated transcriptomic and metagenomic analyses, often with minimal accuracy loss compared to alignment-based methods. However, applying pseudoalignment to large genomic references, like chromosomes, is challenging due to their size and repetitive sequences. We introduce a new and modified pseudoalignment scheme that partitions each reference into "virtual colors…. These are essentially overlapping bins of fixed maximal extent on the reference sequences that are treated as distinct "colors" from the perspective of the pseudoalignment algorithm. We apply this modified pseudoalignment procedure to process and map single-cell ATAC-seq data in our new tool alevin-fry-atac . We compare alevin-fry-atac to both Chromap and Cell Ranger ATAC . Alevin-fry-atac is highly scalable and, when using 32 threads, is approximately 2.8 times faster than Chromap (the second fastest approach) while using approximately one third of the memory and mapping slightly more reads. The resulting peaks and clusters generated from alevin-fry-atac show high concordance with those obtained from both Chromap and the Cell Ranger ATAC pipeline, demonstrating that virtual colorenhanced pseudoalignment directly to the genome provides a fast, memory-frugal, and accurate alternative to existing approaches for single-cell ATAC-seq processing. The development of alevin-fry-atac brings single-cell ATAC-seq processing into a unified ecosystem with single-cell RNA-seq processing (via alevin-fry ) to work toward providing a truly open alternative to many of the varied capabilities of CellRanger . Furthermore, our modified pseudoalignment approach should be easily applicable and extendable to other genome-centric mapping-based tasks and modalities such as standard DNA-seq, DNase-seq, Chip-seq and Hi-C.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2026

MCM10 and RECQL4 have cooperative and redundant roles in activating the CMG helicase during the replication initiation.

DNA replication initiation requires activation of the CMG helicase to establish the replisome. This process involves the extrusion of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) from the central channel of MCM double hexamers, allowing the two CMG helicases to pass each other; however, the factors that mediate this process in human cells remain unclear. We show that degron-mediated depletion of either MCM10 or RECQL4 alone causes mild replication defects, whereas simultaneous depletion of both proteins severely impairs CMG activation. ChIP-seq analyses demonstrate that RECQL4 localizes to replication initiation zones (IZs) independently of MCM10, whereas MCM10 recruitment to IZs is enhanced upon RECQL4 depletion, consistent with partially redundant roles during CMG activation. Rescue experiments further indicate that RECQL4 cooperates with MCM10 through direct interaction, and that their ssDNA-binding activity underlies their functional overlap. We propose that MCM10 and RECQL4 act cooperatively and redundantly to promote CMG activation.

CMG activation↗

PubMed2026

Polycomb protein ZmEMF1a restricts endosperm proliferation and directs differentiation via stage-specific H2Aub1 and H3K27me3 landscapes in maize.

Polycomb group (PcG) proteins serve as pivotal epigenetic repressors that govern the transcriptional programs underlying cell growth and differentiation. However, their functional roles in maize endosperm remain largely unexplored. Here, we characterize the recessive maize small-kernel mutant sks1, which exhibits persistent endosperm cell hyperproliferation and compromised cell expansion during grain filling. Map-based cloning reveals that SKS1 encodes ZmEMF1a, a PcG protein that physically interacts with subunits of both PRC1 and PRC2. Integrated ChIP-seq and RNA-seq analyses were performed to investigate its epigenetic regulatory functions. ZmEMF1a orchestrates a stage-specific epigenetic regulatory program: it predominantly mediates H3K27me3 deposition at 6 d after pollination (DAP), while coordinately regulating the deposition of both H3K27me3 and H2Aub1 at 10 DAP. Loss of ZmEMF1a leads to ectopic hyperproliferation of differentiated endosperm tissues, specifically the basal endosperm transfer layer (BETL) and aleurone (AL), as well as elevated vitamin B content in the endosperm. Collectively, these findings establish ZmEMF1a as an epigenetic regulator that balances endosperm proliferation, cell fate specification, and nutrient accumulation through stage-specific histone modifications, thereby offering promising targets for enhancing maize yield and nutritional quality.

H2Aub1↗

PubMed2025

Haplotype-resolved telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of Populus lasiocarpa unveils retrotransposon-driven centromere evolution.

Centromeres, essential for chromosome segregation, exhibit remarkable evolutionary dynamism in sequence composition and structural organization. Here, we report the first haplotype-resolved, telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of Populus lasiocarpa (PLAS) and precisely map all 38 functional centromeres through CENH3 ChIP-Seq. Unlike classical satellite-rich centromeres in model plants, PLAS centromeres lack abundant satellite arrays but are dominated by retrotransposons, particularly RLG and RIL elements, which form intricate nested TE arrays within the functional centromeric regions, disrupting their structural integrity and driving their evolution. Comparative analysis with P. trichocarpa reveals a conserved retrotransposon-dominated architecture, despite minimal sequence conservation. We propose a cyclic model of centromere evolution in which autonomous retrotransposons destabilize functional centromeres through epigenetic erosion, triggering neocentromere formation at pericentromeric sites enriched in transposable elements (TEs) and tandem repeats (TRs). These neocentromeres either succumb to recurrent retrotransposon invasions or stabilize through KARMA-mediated TR expansion, ultimately giving rise to satellite-rich centromeres. Our work redefines centromeres as dynamic, epigenetically plastic domains shaped by retrotransposon-TR antagonism, challenging the satellite-centric paradigm and offering novel insights into plant genome evolution.

Retroelements↗

PubMed2025

Constructing epigenetic regulatory landscapes of plant lncRNAs-an exploration utilizing the novel specialized platform PERlncDB.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), once overlooked as transcriptional byproducts, are now recognized for their crucial roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses, with increasing focus on their epigenetic regulation. However, studies investigating epigenomic signals to explore the functions of lncRNAs in plants remain relatively limited. This study collected a comprehensive dataset of over 160 000 high-quality lncRNAs from 19 representative plant species and integrated 6715 ChIP-seq, BS-seq, and RNA-seq datasets to analyze epigenomic patterns at lncRNA loci. Results showed elevated DNA methylation in lncRNA regions. The highest levels occurred in transposable element-associated lncRNAs. Additionally, activating histone modifications at lncRNA loci showed tissue specificity, with epigenetic preferences differed from those at protein-coding gene (PCG) loci. Differential site analysis in epigenetic mutants further highlighted the selective regulation of lncRNA loci by specific epigenetic factors. To facilitate research, we developed PERlncDB, a platform that provides species-specific lncRNA browsing, epigenetic annotation, cross-species conservation analysis, and visualization of epigenomic landscapes. Case studies on MARS and LINC-AP2 emphasized the platform's utility. Conserved epigenetic mechanisms regulating lncRNAs across species, exemplified by a syntenic conserved MET1-regulated lncRNA pair in Arabidopsis and tomato, suggested the stability of regulatory mechanisms underlying lncRNA functions. This work provides critical insights and resources for understanding plant lncRNA epigenetic regulation.

RNA, Long Noncoding↗

PubMed2026

Multi-omics analysis of glucocorticoid receptor crosstalk with Type I and Type II inflammatory signaling in human airway smooth muscle cells.

Airway smooth muscle (ASM) dysfunction in obstructive airway disease is treated with glucocorticoids. Through RNA-seq analysis of cultured human ASM, we identified repressive effects of dexamethasone, a glucocorticoid, on the baseline expression of a subset of genes that are induced by either IL1B or IL13, which model Type I and Type II inflammation, respectively. ChIP-seq analysis of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and the p65 subunit of NFkB occupancy indicated canonical motifs for both factors occur at sites of p65 occupancy but did not provide biochemical support for significant repressive tethering between GR and p65. Instead, ATAC-seq revealed significant chromatin remodeling and increased accessibility at binding motifs for the NFkB complex in association with dex + IL1B co-treatment in comparison to IL1B treatment alone. Our data support a competition-based primary repressive effect of glucocorticoids on both IL1B and IL13 signaling and provide evidence for transcriptional cooperation between GR and NFkB on a genome-wide basis in ASM, including at regulatory elements that control expression of anti-inflammatorygenes.

chromatin↗

PubMed2026

FOXC2 and WT1 regulate transcriptional reprogramming during the podocyte response to injury.

Transcriptional reprogramming has an important role in kidney glomerular disease. Using in vivo murine models of podocyte injury, we studied the roles of the FOXC2 and WT1 transcription factors (TFs) in podocyte injury. Podocytes are a crucial cell type of glomeruli, the filtration units of each nephron. Podocyte injury is often the incipient event leading to chronic kidney disease. It is well established that the TFs FOXC2 and WT1 are required in podocytes to maintain the glomerular filtration barrier. Their role in the response to injury is less well understood. Here, we tested the hypothesis that FOXC2 and WT1 act together to mediate transcriptional reprogramming in response to podocyte injury. Similarly to that of WT1, genome-wide FOXC2 binding to target genes is dynamic during the course of injury, initially increasing, but late in injury there is a dramatic decrease in FOXC2 expression and in its binding to target genes. Podocyte-specific inactivation of FoxC2 or Wt1 in adult mice limits the transcriptional response to injury. Correlating FOXC2 and WT1 ChIP-seq analyses demonstrated that they co-bind many genes expressed in podocytes. Thus, reprogramming the transcriptome involves dynamic changes in the binding of FOXC2 and WT1 to their target genes during a reparative injury response.

Animals↗

PubMed2025

Integrative analysis of gene expression and histone modifications for DES, DSP, GJA1 and SMOC2 in adipose tissue reveals potential relationship to cardiometabolic health.

BACKGROUND: Adipose tissue influences cardiometabolic health through its endocrine activity and its role in regulating inflammation, lipid metabolism, and cardiovascular function. The expression of cardiac-associated genes within adipose tissue may reflect or contribute to cardiometabolic risk, yet this relationship remains poorly understood. This study investigates the expression profiles of the cardiac function associated genes GJA1, DES, DSP and SMOC2 in human adipose tissue, and analyses their associations with cardiometabolic traits. Additionally, we explore epigenomic mechanisms that may underlie their differential gene expression. METHODS: Expression profiling and functional enrichment analyses were conducted to identify depot-specific cardiac gene expression patterns. Quantitative PCR validated gene expression in paired subcutaneous (SAT) and omental visceral adipose tissue (OVAT) samples from 78 individuals with obesity. Gene expression was further validated in three independent cohorts (N = 1,548 total). Associations with clinical traits were assessed using Spearman correlations and multivariate linear regression, adjusted for age, sex, and BMI. Integration with transcriptomic and proteomic datasets publicly available from the Adipose Tissue Knowledge Portal was performed to strengthen clinical relevance. Epigenomic profiling using genome-wide ChIP-seq for histone marks (H3K4me3, H3K4me1, H3K27ac, H3K27me3) was conducted in paired SAT and OVAT samples from five individuals. RESULTS: DES, DSP, GJA1, and SMOC2 were significantly upregulated in OVAT compared to SAT. DES, DSP, and SMOC2 showed consistent expression patterns across all cohorts, while GJA1 exhibited context-dependent regulation. Gene expression in SAT was negatively correlated with cardiometabolic traits, including blood pressure, insulin resistance, and liver function markers. These associations were confirmed by regression analysis and supported by publicly available multi-omics data. Epigenetic analyses revealed OVAT-specific enrichment of active histone marks and reduced repressive marks, supporting higher differential transcriptional activity in OVAT. CONCLUSIONS: Depot-specific gene expression of DES, DSP, and SMOC2 in adipose tissue is robustly linked to cardiometabolic traits and supported by distinct epigenetic landscapes in OVAT vs SAT, highlighting their potential as novel biomarkers for cardiometabolic health.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Targeting super-enhancer-driven SKIL transcription by CDK7 inhibitor THZ1 to suppress gastric cancer progression.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is a lethal malignancy characterized by high incidence, mortality, and limited treatment options. Transcriptional addiction is a key cancer hallmark that drives tumor pathogenesis, making its inhibition a promising therapeutic strategy for GC. The study aims to investigate the roles and mechanisms of super-enhancer (SE)-driven oncogenic transcriptional addiction in GC progression and to identify novel targetable vulnerabilities. METHODS: We utilized cellular and animal models to assess the effects of THZ1 treatment and CDK7 knockdown on GC progression. RNA sequencing was employed to elucidate the potential molecular mechanism of THZ1 treatment. ChIP-seq was performed to establish SE landscape in GC. Integrative analysis of transcriptomic and SE profiling was used to identify THZ1-targeted oncogenic genes. Rescue experiments were conducted to confirm that THZ1 treatment suppresses GC malignant progression by targeting SE-driven SKIL transcription. RESULTS: GC cells exhibited pronounced sensitivity to THZ1 compared to normal gastric mucosa cells, and the treatment potently suppressed tumor growth and migration in both cellular and animal models. CDK7 was significantly upregulated in GC tissues, and its knockdown inhibited malignant progression in vitro and in vivo, whereas its overexpression accelerated tumor progression. Mechanistically, SE-driven oncogenic transcriptional amplification underlies GC cell susceptibility to THZ1, supported by the identification of novel oncogenic genes such as SKIL. SKIL, a key Hippo pathway regulator, was highly expressed in GC cells, and its elevated expression predicted poor patient prognosis. SKIL silencing attenuated malignant phenotypes, while its overexpression diminished THZ1’s suppression of GC cell proliferation and migration. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that THZ1 inhibits GC progression by disrupting SE-driven oncogenic transcription, thereby offering CDK7 inhibition as a promising therapeutic intervention for GC.

Stomach Neoplasms↗

PubMed2026

The SigD regulon of Mycobacterium abscessus determines cell envelope composition and antibiotic susceptibility.

A major determinant of the exceptional intrinsic resistance of M. abscessus is the lipid-rich cell envelope, yet the regulatory systems that remodel envelope-associated pathways remain poorly defined. Here, we determine the σD regulon in M. abscessus and establish its role in cell envelope homeostasis and intrinsic resistance to hydrophobic antibiotics. RNA-Seq analysis of a MabΔsigD mutant identified 447 differentially expressed genes, while ChIP-Seq mapped 72 σD binding sites and defined a conserved promoter motif (GTAACA/G-N16-CGAT). Using a combination of σD binding, motif orientation and expression data, we identified a core set of directly regulated genes, distinct from what was previously observed in M. tuberculosis, many of which encode proteins involved in envelope-associated functions. These include loci involved in trehalose polyphleate (TPP) biosynthesis, the antigen 85 complex and peptidoglycan remodeling enzymes. Deletion of sigD resulted in a significant reduction in TPPs in the cell envelope and an increase in ethidium bromide accumulation. Consistent with these changes, loss of σD selectively sensitized M. abscessus to hydrophobic antibiotics, including rifampicin and tigecycline. Deletion of mmpL10, which is required for transport of TPP precursors, recapitulated the drug sensitivity of MabΔsigD, implicating envelope composition as a key effector of the phenotype. Expression of the σD regulon further increased during starvation and in response to SDS, isoniazid, and ethambutol, mediated by degradation of RsdA, consistent with a role in stress-responsive envelope adaptation. Together, these findings demonstrate σD is active during logarithmic growth in rich media where it regulates the expression of envelope-associated genes that influence envelope permeability and basal level susceptibility to hydrophobic antibiotics; its activity further increases in response to cell envelope stress, presumably promoting envelope remodeling to counteract damage.

Regulon↗

PubMed2025

Repression of CADM1 transcription by HPV type 18 is mediated by three-dimensional rearrangement of promoter-enhancer interactions.

Upon infection, human papillomavirus (HPV) manipulates host cell gene expression to create an environment that is supportive of a productive and persistent infection. The virus-induced changes to the host cell's transcriptome are thought to contribute to carcinogenesis. Here, we show by RNA-sequencing that oncogenic HPV18 episome replication in primary human foreskin keratinocytes (HFKs) drives host transcriptional changes that are consistent between multiple HFK donors. We have previously shown that HPV18 recruits the host protein CTCF to viral episomes to control the differentiation-dependent viral transcriptional programme. Since CTCF is an important regulator of host cell transcription via coordination of epigenetic boundaries and long-range chromosomal interactions, we hypothesised that HPV18 may also manipulate CTCF to contribute to host transcription reprogramming. Analysis of CTCF binding in the host cell genome by ChIP-Seq revealed that while the total number of CTCF binding sites is not altered by the virus, there are a sub-set of CTCF binding sites that are either enriched or depleted of CTCF. Many of these altered sites are clustered within regulatory elements of differentially expressed genes, including the tumour suppressor gene cell adhesion molecule 1 (CADM1), which supresses epithelial cell growth and invasion. We show that HPV18 establishment results in reduced CTCF binding at the CADM1 promoter and upstream enhancer. Loss of CTCF binding is coincident with epigenetic repression of CADM1, in the absence of CpG hypermethylation, while adjacent genes including the transcriptional regulator ZBTB16 are activated. These data indicate that the CADM1 locus is subject to topological rearrangement following HPV18 establishment. We tested this hypothesis using 4C-Seq (circular chromosome confirmation capture-sequencing) and show that HPV18 establishment causes a loss of long-range chromosomal interactions between the CADM1 transcriptional start site and the upstream transcriptional enhancer. These data show that HPV18 manipulates host cell promoter-enhancer interactions to drive transcriptional reprogramming that may contribute to HPV-induced disease progression.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Genome-wide H3K4me3 profiling of circulating immune cells reveals dynamic epigenetic reprogramming during acute critical COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: Severe COVID-19 is associated with innate immune dysregulation resembling sepsis-induced immunoparalysis. Epigenetic mechanisms, particularly changes in H3K4me3 enrichment at gene promoters, have been observed in immune tolerance and monocyte dysfunction in sepsis. Whether comparable H3K4me3 alterations occur during acute critical COVID-19 illness has not been investigated. METHODS: In this prospective single-center study, 46 hospitalized COVID-19 patients were enrolled, of whom 27 were treated in the intensive care unit (ICU group) and 19 on the normal ward (non-ICU group). Genome-wide H3K4me3 ChIP-seq was performed on PBMCs at hospital admission (T1) in the total cohort and after seven days (T2) in the ICU group. Monocyte HLA-DR expression and ex vivo TLR-stimulated cytokine secretion were assessed as functional immune readouts. RESULTS: Among 706 differentially bound consensus peaks with promoter association between ICU and non-ICU groups, 704 showed increased H3K4me3 occupancy in ICU patients, predominantly at neutrophil effector gene loci, supported by pathway enrichment of neutrophil degranulation and innate immune activation. Monocyte HLA-DR expression and ex vivo TLR-stimulated IL-6 secretion were persistently reduced throughout the first week of ICU treatment. Longitudinal profiling in the ICU group revealed a shift from an interferon-driven chromatin signature at admission toward sustained innate immune activation and ECM remodeling at day seven. CONCLUSION: This study provides the first genome-wide H3K4me3 characterization of circulating immune cells during acute critical COVID-19, demonstrating that epigenetic reprogramming is an active and dynamic process that mirrors the functional immune dysregulation observed in these patients.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Regulation of the histone H3K36 methyltransferase Set2 by the histone chaperone Spt6.

Histone H3 lysine 36 methylation is a conserved histone modification that is critical for maintaining eukaryotic transcriptional fidelity and genomic stability. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, this modification is catalyzed by Set2, an ortholog of the mammalian H3K36 methyltransferase SETD2. Previous genetic, biochemical, and structural studies showed that Set2 activity is repressed by a Set2 autoinhibitory domain (AID) and that activation requires the direct binding of the histone chaperone Spt6. To study the role of Spt6 and Set2 autoinhibition in vivo, we have isolated and analyzed multiple classes of Spt6 and Set2 mutants. Our results suggest an autoinhibited form of Set2 in which the catalytic domain is bound by the AID. In strong agreement with our genetic results, biophysical experiments demonstrate that the catalytic domain and AID physically interact, and that the autoinhibition mutants disrupt this interaction. Finally, RNA-seq and ChIP-seq studies show the importance of the Set2-Spt6 interaction for transcription and H3K36 methylation genome-wide. Taken together, our results support a model in which Set2 exists in an inactive, autoinhibited state in vivo through direct catalytic domain-AID interactions, with binding by Spt6 required to release this autoinhibited state.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2026

Chromatin Remodeling Subunit ARID1A Negatively Regulates the Malignant Progression of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors by Targeting the MEMO1 Promoter.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common sarcomas of the alimentary tract and are primarily characterized by malignant progression, a major cause of mortality. AT-rich interaction domain 1A (ARID1A), a core component of the chromatin-remodeling SWI/SNF complex, has been found to correlate with GIST tumor grade, although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Its frequent inactivation across diverse cancer types reveals pleiotropic roles that intersect multiple hallmarks of cancer. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential relationship between ARID1A and malignant progression in GISTs, as well as the underlying mechanism. Western blotting, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry were used to assess ARID1A expression in GIST tissues. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were performed to evaluate cell proliferation. Wound-healing and Transwell assays were conducted to assess cell migration and invasion. Flow cytometry was used to analyze apoptosis and cell cycle distribution. Label-free quantitative proteomics and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) were employed to identify top candidate downstream targets of ARID1A. ARID1A expression was decreased in high-risk GIST tissues. Furthermore, ARID1A knockdown in GIST cells promoted proliferation and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo, and led to reduced apoptosis and impaired cell cycle arrest. We further demonstrated that ARID1A suppresses GIST proliferation and metastasis by inhibiting MEMO1 expression and inactivating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Notably, this regulatory axis was observed in KIT-null GIST cells, indicating that the ARID1A-MEMO1 pathway may function independently of canonical KIT signaling. Thus, ARID1A inhibits malignant progression in GISTs, providing new insights into its role in the prevention and treatment of human GISTs and suggesting its potential as a biomarker of malignant progression in GISTs.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Metadomain and metaloop genome interactions in mammalian T cells.

Recent studies have advanced understanding of chromosomal organization and its role in gene regulation, yet most analyses focus on short-range interactions (<2 Mb), limiting insight into broader architecture. The relationships between topologically associating domains (TADs), sub-TAD loops, cross-TAD interactions, and chromosomal compartmentalization remain poorly understood. Here, using high-resolution Hi-C analysis, we identify extensive multi-megabase and interchromosomal interactions (metaloops) in T lymphocytes that organize into meta-TAD associations (metadomains). These metaloops connect distal promoters and regulatory elements of genes functionally important in T cells, including Ctla4, Ikzf2, Il2ra, Ets1, and Foxo1. Reanalysis of mouse and human datasets confirms their reproducibility and dependence on superenhancers. Genome-wide clustering reveals three distinct interchromosomal hubs, including a superenhancer-enriched hub linked to T cell-specific gene activation. Integrative analysis of regulatory genomics data identifies factors associated with short- versus long-range interactions. This study introduces a broadly applicable computational framework and reveals features of T cell genome organization.

Animals↗