Enhancer function: new insights into the regulation of tissue-specific gene expression

• Authors: Chin-Tong Ong, Emory University; Victor Corces, Emory University
• Journal Title: Nature Reviews Genetics
• Volume: Volume 12, Number 4
• Publisher: Nature Publishing Group | 2011-04, Pages 283-293
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1038/nrg2957
• Subjects: Biology, Genetics
• Keywords: epigenetics; histones; chromatin; RNA

Abstract

Enhancer function underlies regulatory processes by which cells establish patterns of gene expression. Recent results suggest that enhancers are specified by particular chromatin marks in pluripotent cells, which may be modified later in development to alter patterns of gene expression and cell differentiation choices. These marks may contribute to the repertoire of epigenetic mechanisms responsible for cellular memory and determine the timing of transcription factor accessibility to the enhancer. Mechanistically, cohesin and non-coding RNAs are emerging as critical players responsible for facilitating enhancer-promoter interactions. Surprisingly, these interactions may be required not only to facilitate initiation of transcription but also to activate the release of RNAPII from promoter-proximal pausing.