Targeted modification of chromatin structure
AssigneeSangamo BioSciences, Inc.
InventorAlan P. Wolffe
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Abstract
Methods and compositions for targeted modification of chromatin structure, within a region of interest in cellular chromatin, are provided. Such methods and compositions are useful for facilitating processes such as, for example, transcription and recombination, that require access of exogenous molecules to chromosomal DNA sequences.
Claims61
A method for altering chromatin structure in a region of interest in chromosomal cellular chromatin in an isolated cell, the method comprising the step of contacting the chromosomal cellular chromatin with a fusion molecule that binds to a binding site in the region of interest, wherein the fusion molecule comprises a DNA binding domain and at least one subunit protein of a chromatin remodeling complex or functional fragment of the subunit protein, wherein the contacting is conducted under conditions such that the structure of chromosomal chromatin is altered in the region of interest, and further wherein the fusion molecule does not regulate transcription.
A method for modulating expression of a gene, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) contacting chromosomal cellular chromatin in an isolated cell with a first fusion molecule that binds to a binding site in the chromosomal cellular chromatin, wherein the binding site is in the gene and wherein the first fusion molecule comprises a DNA-binding domain and at least one subunit protein of a chromatin remodeling complex or functional fragment of the subunit protein, wherein the contacting is conducted under conditions such that the structure of chromosomal chromatin is altered in the region of interest and further wherein the first fusion molecule does not regulate transcription;
- and
- b) further contacting the cellular chromatin with a second molecule that binds to a target site in the gene and modulates expression of the gene.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.