Methods and compositions for altering function and structure of chromatin loops and/or domains

Abstract

Chromatin 3D structure modulating agents in the context of the present invention are intended to interfere or manipulate the function of loop anchor motifs, such as CTCF motifs. In certain example embodiments, the present invention may block formation of an loop anchor or chromatin domain or induce formation of a loop anchor or chromatin domain at a targeted genomic location. For instance, a loop anchor motif can be altered, such as by mutating (including inverting) a binding motif so as to remove such a motif, or by adding new binding motifs in new locations within a loop domain, so as to reduce the size of an existing loop, so as to modify the size of an existing loop, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the chromatin 3D structure modulating agent may bind a target region and mask a loop anchor motif, thereby preventing a loop anchor or chromatin domain from forming. The chromatin 3D structure modulating agent may bind a target region and cause a loop anchor of chromatin domain to form.