Mapping Dmef2-binding regulatory modules by using a ChIP-enriched in silico targets approach

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2005 Dec 20;102(51):18479-84. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0507030102. Epub 2005 Dec 9.

Abstract

Mapping the regulatory modules to which transcription factors bind in vivo is a key step toward understanding of global gene expression programs. We have developed a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-chip strategy for identifying factor-specific regulatory regions acting in vivo. This method, called the ChIP-enriched in silico targets (ChEST) approach, combines immunoprecipitation of cross-linked protein-DNA complexes (X-ChIP) with in silico prediction of targets and generation of computed DNA microarrays. We report the use of ChEST in Drosophila to identify several previously unknown targets of myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2), a key regulator of myogenic differentiation. Our approach was validated by demonstrating that the identified sequences act as enhancers in vivo and are able to drive reporter gene expression specifically in MEF2-positive muscle cells. Presented here, the ChEST strategy was originally designed to identify regulatory modules in Drosophila, but it can be adapted for any sequenced and annotated genome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromatin Immunoprecipitation*
  • Computational Biology*
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics*
  • Drosophila melanogaster / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Genome
  • MEF2 Transcription Factors
  • Myogenic Regulatory Factors / genetics*
  • Myogenic Regulatory Factors / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding

Substances

  • MEF2 Transcription Factors
  • Myogenic Regulatory Factors