Extensive remodeling of DC function by rapid maturation-induced epigenetic gene silencing [ChIP-chip]

Dendritic-cell (DC) maturation involves substantial remodeling of their gene-expression program. Most research has focused on inducible gene-expression networks promoting the acquisition of new functions, such as cytokine production and enhanced T-cell-stimulatory capacity. In contrast, mechanisms that modulate DC-function by inducing gene silencing remain poorly understood. Here we describe a novel primary epigenetic-silencing response that makes major contributions to the DC-maturation process. The repressed genes function in pivotal processes - including antigen-presentation, extracellular-signal detection, signal-transduction and lipid-mediator biosynthesis - underscoring the central contribution of the silencing mechanism to rapid reshaping of DC-function. Interestingly, promoters of the repressed genes exhibit a surprisingly high frequency of PU.1-occupied sites, suggesting a novel role for this transcription factor in marking genes poised for inducible repression Analysis of H4Ac changes triggered by 1 hour LPS treatement of Mo-DC. 3 biological replicates