spKAS-seq reveals R-loop dynamics using low-input materials by detecting single-stranded DNA with strand specificity

Sci Adv. 2022 Dec 2;8(48):eabq2166. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.abq2166. Epub 2022 Nov 30.

Abstract

R-loops affect transcription and genome stability. Dysregulation of R-loops is related to human diseases. Genome-wide R-loop mapping typically uses the S9.6 antibody or inactive ribonuclease H, both requiring a large number of cells with varying results observed depending on the approach applied. Here, we present strand-specific kethoxal-assisted single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) sequencing (spKAS-seq) to map R-loops by taking advantage of the presence of a ssDNA in the triplex structure. We show that spKAS-seq detects R-loops and their dynamics at coding sequences, enhancers, and other intergenic regions with as few as 50,000 cells. A joint analysis of R-loops and chromatin-bound RNA binding proteins (RBPs) suggested that R-loops can be RBP binding hotspots on the chromatin.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies
  • Chromatin / genetics
  • DNA, Single-Stranded* / genetics
  • Exons
  • Humans
  • R-Loop Structures* / genetics

Substances

  • DNA, Single-Stranded
  • Chromatin
  • Antibodies