The dynamic broad epigenetic (H3K4me3, H3K27ac) domain as a mark of essential genes.

Transcriptionally active chromatin is marked by tri-methylation of histone H3 at lysine 4 (H3K4me3) located after first exons and around transcription start sites. This epigenetic mark is typically restricted to narrow regions at the 5`end of the gene body, though a small subset of genes have a broad H3K4me3 domain which extensively covers the coding region. Although most studies focus on the H3K4me3 mark, the broad H3K4me3 domain is associated with a plethora of histone modifications (e.

SARS-CoV-2 multifaceted interaction with the human host. Part II: Innate immunity response, immunopathology, and epigenetics.

The SARS-CoV-2 makes its way into the cell via the ACE2 receptor and the proteolytic action of TMPRSS2. In response to the SARS-CoV-2 infection, the innate immune response is the first line of defense, triggering multiple signaling pathways to produce interferons, pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and initiating the adaptive immune response against the virus. Unsurprisingly, the virus has developed strategies to evade detection, which can result in delayed, excessive activation of the innate immune system.

SARS-CoV-2 multifaceted interaction with human host. Part I: What we have learnt and done so far, and the still unknown realities.

SARS-CoV-2, the causing agent of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, is a beta-coronavirus which has 80% genetic homology with SARS-CoV, but displays increased virulence and transmissibility. Initially, SARS-CoV-2 was considered a respiratory virus generally causing a mild disease, only severe and fatal in the elderly and individuals with underlying conditions. Severe illnesses and fatalities were attributed to a cytokine storm, an excessive response from the host immune system.

Chromatin organization of transcribed genes in chicken polychromatic erythrocytes.

Transcriptional regulation is impacted by the organization of the genome into chromatin compartments and domains. We previously reported the application of a biochemical fractionation protocol to isolate highly enriched transcribed DNA from chicken polychromatic erythrocytes. In conjunction with next-generation DNA and RNA sequencing as well as chromatin immunoprecipitation-DNA sequencing, we identified all the active chromosomal compartments and determined their structural signatures in relation to expression levels.