TADs: Dynamic structures to create stable regulatory functions

Abstract

Mammalian chromosomes are organized at different length scales within the cell nucleus. Topologically Associating Domains (TADs) are structural units of 3D genome organization with functions in gene regulation, DNA replication, recombination and repair. Whereas TADs were initially interpreted as insulated domains, recent studies are revealing that these domains should be interpreted as dynamic collections of actively extruding loops. This process of loop extrusion is subsequently blocked at dedicated TAD boundaries, thereby promoting intra-domain interactions over their surroundings. In this review, we discuss how mammalian TAD structure can emerge from this dynamic process and we discuss recent evidence that TAD boundaries can have regulatory functions.

Keywords: CTCF; Cohesin; Enhancer-promoter looping; Loop extrusion; TADs.