Scientists reveal sequence determinants of human gene regulatory components

DNA can determine the location and timing of gene expression, but the full set of sequence determinants controlling gene expression is still unclear. Recently, the research team of Helsinki University in Finland published an article entitled "sequence determinations of human gene regulatory elements" in Nature Genetics.

Using large-scale parallel reporting experiments, the researchers measured the transcriptional activity of DNA sequences 100 times larger than the human genome. Machine learning models show that transcription factors (TFs) usually act in an additive manner, with weak syntax. Most enhancers increase the expression of promoters through a mechanism that does not involve specific TF-TF interactions. Enhancers themselves can be divided into three types: classical type, closed chromatin type and chromatin dependent type. The results showed that few TF had strong activity in one cell, and most activities were similar between different cell types. A single TF can have a variety of gene regulatory activities, including chromatin opening and enhancement, promoting and determining transcription initiation activity.

The above view is that the "key motif" of TF is consistent with that of TF gene expression.