DNA viruses infiltrate 3D cellular genome organization and preferentially contact active chromatin

Three-dimensional spatial genome organization plays a fundamental role in gene expression regulation. However we do not know yet whether DNA viruses contact specific regions of host genomes or make random contacts. Institut Pasteur scientists have recently demonstrated that, although they use different strategies, viral DNAs preferentially contact specific active chromatin regions because they seemingly provide a favorable environment to their own transcription. Their research also suggests that viral/cellular DNA contacts interfere with cellular gene expression . This opens up new avenues for studying the mechanisms that control viral transcription.

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