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

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 histone H3K9me3 modification and CTCF binding in wildtype (WT) and Setdb1-KO (KO) neural progenitor cells.

短散在核元件（Short interspersed nuclear element, SINE）B2是一类在发育过程中组织三维基因组的DNA反转录转座子。其携带有CCCTC结合因子（CCCTC-binding factor, CTCF）的结合位点，可作为结构域边界元件调控染色质状态，并启动关键发育基因的转录。然而，目前尚不清楚SINE_B2在神经发育过程中是如何被调控的。本研究揭示了全新的调控机制，该机制可调节关键DNA反转录转座子的活性、维持染色体构象，并对中枢神经系统发育起到重要作用。本研究对野生型（WT）与Setdb1基因敲除（Setdb1-KO, KO）神经前体细胞中的组蛋白H3K9me3修饰及CTCF结合情况开展了检测。