Enhancers can act over long stretches of DNA, but are specific about which genes they affect.How do eukaryotic cells prevent these transcription regulators from looping in the wrong direction and inappropriately turning on the transcription of a neighboring gene?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chromosome loop-forming proteins arrange the DNA into topological associated domains (TADs), which are functional units of chromatin organization that contribute to genome regulation. TADs help to bring distant regulatory elements, such as enhancers, into contact with their target genes, while also preventing inappropriate interactions between regulatory elements and neighboring genes. This is achieved through the formation of chromatin loops, which bring regulatory elements and associated genes into close proximity with one another. By compartmentalizing the genome into discrete, functionally specialized domains, TADs help to ensure proper gene expression and prevent inappropriate transcriptional activation of neighboring genes.

Enhancers Can Act Over Long Stretches of DNA, but Are