Histone methyltransferase SETDB1 silenced SINE B2 retrotransposons and maintained mitotic cell cycle of neural progenitor cells (Hi-C)

Short interspersed nuclear element (SINE) B2 are a type of DNA retrotransposon that organize three-dimensional genome during development. Containing binding sites for CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF), SINE_B2 serve as domain boundary elements that control chromatin state and initiate transcription of critical developmental genes. However, it is still unclear how SINE_B2 are regulated during neurodevelopment. Our findings indicate novel mechanisms that modulate critical DNA retrotransposon activity, maintain chromosome conformation and contribute to central nervous system development. Examination of genome-wide chromatin conformation in wildtype (WT) and Setdb1-KO (KO) neural progenitor cells.