Establishment, Dynamic Change, and Functional Implications of Three-Dimensional Genome Structure

Dear Colleagues,

Three-dimensional genome architectures (including A/B compartments, topologically associating domains (TADs), and chromatin interactions) provide a spatial frame that guides genome organization, dynamic chromatin interaction, and the regulation of gene expression. Disruptions of 3D genome architectures cause the misexpression of genes, leading to developmental disorders and tumorigenesis. Such structural alterations have been observed in many types of cancer. Recent years have witnessed tremendous progress in the understanding of 3D chromatin organization principles and their critical roles in gene regulation. Extensive investigations across a wide range of research models revealed that 3D chromatin architectures are relatively conserved; however, they can dynamically reorganize through embryo development, cell division, cell differentiation, pathogenesis, and even evolution as well. In addition, technical innovation and advancements in genetic engineering have allowed for the dissection of the roles of regulatory elements and architectural proteins in establishing, maintaining, and remodelling the 3D chromatin conformation. Although the importance of 3D genome organization in gene regulation is widely accepted, many questions regarding its functional role in transcription control, genome stability maintenance, development, and other important biological activities remain incompletely understood.

This Special Issue aims to focus on the establishment mechanisms (including, but not limited to, the establishment of TADs, compartments, chromatin loops, and chromosome territories) and functional roles of 3D chromatin organization in transcriptional regulation, nuclear positioning effects, selective cisregulatory element targeting, chromatin remodelling, epigenetic modifications, genome stability, and other processes related to the genome. We also welcome manuscripts addressing experimental and computational methods and the latest advancements in chromatin structure analysis, modelling, and engineering.

Prof. Dr. Chunhui Hou
Prof. Dr. Li Li
Guest Editors

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