Genomic localization and functions of MBD-2 with and without NuRD in DNA methylation-free C. elegans [ChIP-Seq]

While mammalian MBD2 is a well-established 5-Methylcytosine reader and component of the essential Nucleosome Remodeling and Deacetylase (NuRD) complex, the function and binding pattern of C. elegans MBD2 (Cel-MBD-2) in its 5mC-free genome remained uncharacterized. In our study, Cel-mbd-2 null mutation resulted in a wide range of severe morphological defects and sterility. We have also confirmed that Cel-MBD-2 is a key transcriptional modulator that can regulate genes in both directions. The MBD-2 binding patterns in the gene promoter or gene body are linked with the gene regulatory directions and display distinct correlations with histone modifications within and outside the context of NuRD complex. Overall design: ChIP-seq of Cel-MBD-2 using anti-FLAG magnetic beads targeting GFP::3xFLAG::MBD-2