SELMAP - SELEX affinity landscape MAPping of transcription factor binding sites using integrated microfluidics

Sci Rep. 2016 Sep 15:6:33351. doi: 10.1038/srep33351.

Abstract

Transcription factors (TFs) alter gene expression in response to changes in the environment through sequence-specific interactions with the DNA. These interactions are best portrayed as a landscape of TF binding affinities. Current methods to study sequence-specific binding preferences suffer from limited dynamic range, sequence bias, lack of specificity and limited throughput. We have developed a microfluidic-based device for SELEX Affinity Landscape MAPping (SELMAP) of TF binding, which allows high-throughput measurement of 16 proteins in parallel. We used it to measure the relative affinities of Pho4, AtERF2 and Btd full-length proteins to millions of different DNA binding sites, and detected both high and low-affinity interactions in equilibrium conditions, generating a comprehensive landscape of the relative TF affinities to all possible DNA 6-mers, and even DNA10-mers with increased sequencing depth. Low quantities of both the TFs and DNA oligomers were sufficient for obtaining high-quality results, significantly reducing experimental costs. SELMAP allows in-depth screening of hundreds of TFs, and provides a means for better understanding of the regulatory processes that govern gene expression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • Binding Sites
  • Gene Library
  • Microarray Analysis
  • Microfluidics / methods*
  • Nucleotide Motifs / genetics
  • Protein Binding
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • SELEX Aptamer Technique / methods*
  • Sample Size
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*

Substances

  • Transcription Factors