{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: TFIIIC Binding to Alu Elements Controls Gene Expression via Chromatin Looping and Histone Acetylation.
{Author}: Ferrari R;de Llobet Cucalon LI;Di Vona C;Le Dilly F;Vidal E;Lioutas A;Oliete JQ;Jochem L;Cutts E;Dieci G;Vannini A;Teichmann M;de la Luna S;Beato M;
{Journal}: Mol Cell
{Volume}: 77
{Issue}: 3
{Year}: 02 2020 6
{Factor}: 19.328
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.molcel.2019.10.020
{Abstract}: How repetitive elements, epigenetic modifications, and architectural proteins interact ensuring proper genome expression remains poorly understood. Here, we report regulatory mechanisms unveiling a central role of Alu elements (AEs) and RNA polymerase III transcription factor C (TFIIIC) in structurally and functionally modulating the genome via chromatin looping and histone acetylation. Upon serum deprivation, a subset of AEs pre-marked by the activity-dependent neuroprotector homeobox Protein (ADNP) and located near cell-cycle genes recruits TFIIIC, which alters their chromatin accessibility by direct acetylation of histone H3 lysine-18 (H3K18). This facilitates the contacts of AEs with distant CTCF sites near promoter of other cell-cycle genes, which also become hyperacetylated at H3K18. These changes ensure basal transcription of cell-cycle genes and are critical for their re-activation upon serum re-exposure. Our study reveals how direct manipulation of the epigenetic state of AEs by a general transcription factor regulates 3D genome folding and expression.