Fish-Ing for Enhancers in the Heart.

TitleFish-Ing for Enhancers in the Heart.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2021
AuthorsParisi, C, Vashisht, S, Winata, CLanny
JournalInt J Mol Sci
Volume22
Issue8
Date Published2021 Apr 10
ISSN1422-0067
KeywordsAnimals, Binding Sites, Enhancer Elements, Genetic, Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental, Gene Regulatory Networks, Heart, Humans, Mutation, Transcription Factors, Zebrafish
Abstract

Precise control of gene expression is crucial to ensure proper development and biological functioning of an organism. Enhancers are non-coding DNA elements which play an essential role in regulating gene expression. They contain specific sequence motifs serving as binding sites for transcription factors which interact with the basal transcription machinery at their target genes. Heart development is regulated by intricate gene regulatory network ensuring precise spatiotemporal gene expression program. Mutations affecting enhancers have been shown to result in devastating forms of congenital heart defect. Therefore, identifying enhancers implicated in heart biology and understanding their mechanism is key to improve diagnosis and therapeutic options. Despite their crucial role, enhancers are poorly studied, mainly due to a lack of reliable way to identify them and determine their function. Nevertheless, recent technological advances have allowed rapid progress in enhancer discovery. Model organisms such as the zebrafish have contributed significant insights into the genetics of heart development through enabling functional analyses of genes and their regulatory elements in vivo. Here, we summarize the current state of knowledge on heart enhancers gained through studies in model organisms, discuss various approaches to discover and study their function, and finally suggest methods that could further advance research in this field.

DOI10.3390/ijms22083914
Alternate JournalInt J Mol Sci
Citation Key118
PubMed ID33920121
PubMed Central IDPMC8069060
Grant List2018/29/B/NZ2/01010L / / Narodowym Centrum Nauki /
2019/35/B/NZ2/02548 / / Narodowym Centrum Nauki /

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