Study of Enhancer Activity in Human Chromosome 16 Non-Coding Regions
Author Information
Author(s): Royo José Luis, Hidalgo Carmen, Roncero Yolanda, Seda María Angeles, Akalin Altuna, Lenhard Boris, Casares Fernando, Gómez-Skarmeta José Luis
Primary Institution: Centro Andaluz de Biologia del Desarrollo, CSIC-Universidad Pablo de Olavide-Junta de Andalucía, Sevilla, Spain
Hypothesis
Highly conserved non-coding regions (HCNRs) in human chromosome 16 may contain regulatory elements essential for gene transcription.
Conclusion
The study found that a significant portion of HCNRs exhibit enhancer activity, while some may function as insulators.
Supporting Evidence
- 34% of HCNRs showed enhancer activity in transient assays.
- 60% of HCNRs with enhancer activity were confirmed in stable transgenic lines.
- 20% of HCNRs that did not show enhancer activity in transient assays exhibited enhancer activity in stable lines.
Takeaway
The researchers looked at parts of human DNA that don't code for proteins to see if they help control gene activity, and they found that many do.
Methodology
Zebrafish transgenic assays were used to evaluate the enhancer activity of 113 HCNRs from human chromosome 16.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the reliance on transient assays which can yield false positives.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on zebrafish, which may not fully represent human regulatory mechanisms.
Participant Demographics
Zebrafish embryos were used as the model organism for the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website