The Cohesin Release Factor WAPL Restricts Chromatin Loop Extension

The spatial organization of chromosomes influences many nuclear processes including gene expression. The cohesin complex shapes the 3D genome by looping together CTCF sites along chromosomes. We show here that chromatin loop size can be increased and that the duration with which cohesin embraces DNA determines the degree to which loops are enlarged. Cohesin's DNA release factor WAPL restricts this loop extension and also prevents looping between incorrectly oriented CTCF sites. We reveal that the SCC2/SCC4 complex promotes the extension of chromatin loops and the formation of topologically associated domains (TADs). Our data support the model that cohesin structures chromosomes through the processive…

• EM
  European Molecular Biology Organization
• CG
  Cancer Genomics Centre
• KK
  KWF Kankerbestrijding

  Awards: NKI 2011-5103, NKI 2015-7657, NKI 2010-4706
• HE
  H2020 European Research Council

  Award: ERC Starting Grant 637587 HAP-PHEN