The insights into how genome topology couples with epigenetic states to govern the function and identity of the corneal epithelium are poorly understood. Here, we generate a high-resolution Hi-C interaction map of human limbal stem/progenitor cells (LSCs) and show that chromatin multi-hierarchical organisation is coupled to gene expression. By integrating Hi-C, epigenome and transcriptome data, we characterize the comprehensive 3D epigenomic landscapes of LSCs. We find that super-silencers mediate gene repression associated with corneal development, differentiation and disease via chromatin looping and/or proximity. Super-enhancer (SE) interaction analysis identified a set of SE interactive hubs that contribute to LSC-specific gene activation. These active and inactive element-anchored loop networks occur within the cohesin-occupied CTCF-CTCF loops. We further reveal a coordinated regulatory network of core transcription factors based on SE-promoter interactions. Our results provide detailed insights into the genome organization principle for epigenetic regulation of gene expression in stratified epithelia.
© 2022. The Author(s).