3D Genomics

Dear Colleagues,

DNA was discovered in 1869. In 1953, the chemical structure of the DNA was elucidated through the double helix model; and the human genome project was declared complete in 2003, providing us with a first consensus sequence. Since then, the human genome and many other genomes have been annotated all over. Our knowledge of transcriptional regulatory networks and of the epigenetic mechanisms controlling gene expression is increasing rapidly.

However, although we have obtained a great deal of information about mammalian genomes, we are still far from understanding their regulation. A key missing factor is the 3D structure of the genome. It is known that the three-dimensional chromatin structure has more function than the mere packaging of the genomic material into the nucleus. Unravelling the structure of the genome is a must in the agenda to expand our understanding of the biological functionality orchestrated by variables that exceed a unidimensional genome.

Microscopy was the main technique used to observe the structure of the chromatin, but the recent advances on chromatin conformation techniques (3C) and derived techniques, especially Hi-C, are starting to allow us to solve part of the puzzle led by the recent discovery of topologically associating domains (TADs), which are keystones in gene regulation with causality in human disease.

In this Special Issue, we are interested in publishing short manuscripts of about 3000–5000 words with one or two figures, reviewing one or more of the basic aspects of the 3D genome indicated in the keywords section. Non-technical language for a more divulgative style is also encouraged.

Prof. Miguel Andrade
Dr. Enrique M. Muro
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Genes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

For this Special Issue we are glad to offer a 15% discount from our APC to all planned contributions.