Project description:A significant number of X-linked genes escape from X-chromosome inactivation and are associated with a distinct epigenetic signature. One epigenetic modification that strongly correlates with X-escape is reduced DNA methylation in promoter regions. Here, we sought to create an artificial escape by editing DNA methylation on the promoter of CDKL5, a gene causative for an infantile epilepsy, from the silenced X-chromosomal allele in human neuronal-like cells. We identify that a fusion of the catalytic domain of TET1 to dCas9 targeted to the CDKL5 promoter using three guide RNAs causes significant reactivation of the inactive allele in combination with removal of methyl groups from CpG dinucleotides. Strikingly, we demonstrate that co-expression of TET1 and a VP64 transactivator have a synergistic effect on the reactivation of the inactive allele to levels above 60% of the active allele. We further used a multi-omics assessment to determine potential off-targets on the transcriptome and methylome. We find that synergistic delivery of dCas9 effectors is highly selective for the target site. Our findings further elucidate a causal role for reduced DNA methylation associated with escape from X-chromosome inactivation. Understanding the epigenetics associated with escape from X-chromosome inactivation has potential for those suffering from X-linked disorders.
Project description:A significant number of X-linked genes escape from X-chromosome inactivation and are associated with a distinct epigenetic signature. One epigenetic modification that strongly correlates with X-escape is reduced DNA methylation in promoter regions. Here, we sought to create an artificial escape by editing DNA methylation on the promoter of CDKL5, a gene causative for an infantile epilepsy, from the silenced X-chromosomal allele in human neuronal-like cells. We identify that a fusion of the catalytic domain of TET1 to dCas9 targeted to the CDKL5 promoter using three guide RNAs causes significant reactivation of the inactive allele in combination with removal of methyl groups from CpG dinucleotides. Strikingly, we demonstrate that co-expression of TET1 and a VP64 transactivator have a synergistic effect on the reactivation of the inactive allele to levels above 60% of the active allele. We further used a multi-omics assessment to determine potential off-targets on the transcriptome and methylome. We find that synergistic delivery of dCas9 effectors is highly selective for the target site. Our findings further elucidate a causal role for reduced DNA methylation associated with escape from X-chromosome inactivation. Understanding the epigenetics associated with escape from X-chromosome inactivation has potential for those suffering from X-linked disorders.
Project description:A significant number of X-linked genes escape from X chromosome inactivation and are associated with a distinct epigenetic signature. One epigenetic modification that strongly correlates with X-escape is reduced DNA methylation in promoter regions. Here, we created an artificial escape by editing DNA methylation on the promoter of CDKL5, a gene causative for an infantile epilepsy, from the silenced X-chromosomal allele in human neuronal-like cells. We identify that a fusion of the catalytic domain of TET1 to dCas9 targeted to the CDKL5 promoter using three guide RNAs causes significant reactivation of the inactive allele in combination with removal of methyl groups from CpG dinucleotides. Strikingly, we demonstrate that co-expression of TET1 and a VP64 transactivator have a synergistic effect on the reactivation of the inactive allele to levels >60% of the active allele. We further used a multi-omics assessment to determine potential off-targets on the transcriptome and methylome. We find that synergistic delivery of dCas9 effectors is highly selective for the target site. Our findings further elucidate a causal role for reduced DNA methylation associated with escape from X chromosome inactivation. Understanding the epigenetics associated with escape from X chromosome inactivation has potential for those suffering from X-linked disorders.
Project description:X chromosome inactivation (XCI) silences most genes on one X chromosome in female mammals, but some genes escape XCI. To identify escape gene in vivo and to explore molecular mechanisms that regulate this process we analyzed the allele-specific expression and chromatin structure of X-linked genes in mouse tissues and cells with skewed XCI and distinguishable alleles based on single nucleotide polymorphisms. Using a new method to estimate allelic expression, we demonstrate a continuum between complete silencing and significant expression from the inactive X (Xi). Few genes (2-3%) escape XCI to a significant level and only a minority differs between mouse tissues, suggesting stringent silencing and escape controls. Allelic profiles of DNase I hypersensitivity and RNA polymerase II occupancy of genes on the Xi correlate with escape from XCI. Allelic binding profiles of the DNA binding protein CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) in different cell types indicate that CTCF binding at the promoter correlates with escape. Importantly, CTCF binding at the boundary between escape and silenced domains may prevent the spreading of active escape chromatin into silenced domains. Examination of allelic expression in mouse hybrid tissues.
Project description:X chromosome inactivation (XCI) silences most genes on one X chromosome in female mammals, but some genes escape XCI. To identify escape gene in vivo and to explore molecular mechanisms that regulate this process we analyzed the allele-specific expression and chromatin structure of X-linked genes in mouse tissues and cells with skewed XCI and distinguishable alleles based on single nucleotide polymorphisms. Using a new method to estimate allelic expression, we demonstrate a continuum between complete silencing and significant expression from the inactive X (Xi). Few genes (2-3%) escape XCI to a significant level and only a minority differs between mouse tissues, suggesting stringent silencing and escape controls. Allelic profiles of DNase I hypersensitivity and RNA polymerase II occupancy of genes on the Xi correlate with escape from XCI. Allelic binding profiles of the DNA binding protein CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) in different cell types indicate that CTCF binding at the promoter correlates with escape. Importantly, CTCF binding at the boundary between escape and silenced domains may prevent the spreading of active escape chromatin into silenced domains. Examination of CTCF and RNA PolIIS5p occupancy in mouse hybrid cells and adult tissues.
Project description:The spatial proximity between regulatory elements and their target genes has a profound affect on gene expression. X Chromosome Inactivation (XCI) is an epigenetic process by which an entire chromosome is rendered, for the most part, transcriptionally silent. A few genes are known to escape XCI and the mechanism for this escape remains unclear. Here, using mouse trophectodermal stem cells, we address whether specific chromosomal interactions facilitate escape from XCI by bringing escape-specific regulatory elements in close proximity to gene promoters. Our results suggest a model where escape from XCI occurs within topologically associated domains. As such, escaping genes and the regulatory sequences required for their escape are likely located within close linear proximity to each other. The datasets provided include those generated from allele-specific 4C-Seq of genes escaping XCI, genes subject to XCI, and non-genic regions of the X chromosome. FASTQ files, text files containing genomic coordiantes, and BED aligmnets are provided. All sequences were mapped relative to mouse genome build mm9. Deep sequencing of circular chromosome conformation capture (4C-Seq) of genes escaping X inactivation in mouse trophoblast stem cells
Project description:The spatial proximity between regulatory elements and their target genes has a profound affect on gene expression. X Chromosome Inactivation (XCI) is an epigenetic process by which an entire chromosome is rendered, for the most part, transcriptionally silent. A few genes are known to escape XCI and the mechanism for this escape remains unclear. Here, using mouse trophectodermal stem cells, we address whether specific chromosomal interactions facilitate escape from XCI by bringing escape-specific regulatory elements in close proximity to gene promoters. Our results suggest a model where escape from XCI occurs within topologically associated domains. As such, escaping genes and the regulatory sequences required for their escape are likely located within close linear proximity to each other. The datasets provided include those generated from allele-specific 4C-Seq of genes escaping XCI, genes subject to XCI, and non-genic regions of the X chromosome. FASTQ files, text files containing genomic coordiantes, and BED aligmnets are provided. All sequences were mapped relative to mouse genome build mm9.