Tracking and interpreting long-range chromatin interactions with super-resolution live-cell imaging

Abstract

Mammalian genomes are organized and regulated through long-range chromatin interactions. Structural loops formed by CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) and cohesin fold the genome into domains, while enhancers interact with promoters across vast genomic distances to regulate gene expression. Although genomics and fixed-cell imaging approaches help illuminate many aspects of chromatin interactions, temporal information is usually lost. Here, we discuss how 3D super-resolution live-cell imaging (SRLCI) can resolve open questions on the dynamic formation and dissolution of chromatin interactions. We discuss SRLCI experimental design, implementation strategies, and data interpretation and highlight associated pitfalls. We conclude that, while technically demanding, SRLCI approaches will likely emerge as a critical tool to dynamically probe 3D genome structure and function and to study enhancer-promoter interactions and chromatin looping.

Keywords: 3D genome; CTCF; Chromatin looping; Cohesin; Dynamics; Enhancers; Gene regulation; Microscopy; SRLCI; Super-resolution live-cell imaging.