A library-based method to rapidly analyse chromatin accessibility at multiple genomic regions

Nucleic Acids Res. 2009 Apr;37(6):e42. doi: 10.1093/nar/gkp037. Epub 2009 Feb 27.

Abstract

Traditional chromatin analysis methods only test one locus at the time or use different templates for each locus, making a standardized analysis of large genomic regions or many co-regulated genes at different loci a difficult task. On the other hand, genome-wide high-resolution mapping of chromatin accessibility employing massive parallel sequencing platforms generates an extensive data set laborious to analyse and is a cost-intensive method, only applicable to the analysis of a limited set of biological samples. To close this gap between the traditional and the high-throughput procedures we have developed a method in which a condition-specific, genome-wide chromatin fragment library is produced and then used for locus-specific DNA fragment analysis. To validate the method, we used, as a test locus, the well-studied promoter of the divergently transcribed niiA and niaD genes coding for nitrate assimilation enzymes in Aspergillus. Additionally, we have used the condition-specific libraries to study nucleosomal positioning at two different loci, the promoters of the general nitrogen regulator areA and the regulator of secondary metabolism, aflR.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Aspergillus nidulans / genetics
  • Chromatin / chemistry*
  • DNA Primers
  • DNA Restriction Enzymes
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Fungal Proteins / genetics
  • Gene Library*
  • Genomics / methods*
  • Micrococcal Nuclease
  • Nucleosomes / chemistry
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Transcription Factors / genetics

Substances

  • AreA protein, Aspergillus nidulans
  • Chromatin
  • DNA Primers
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Fungal Proteins
  • Nucleosomes
  • Transcription Factors
  • DNA Restriction Enzymes
  • Micrococcal Nuclease