The role of epigenetic modifications, long-range contacts, enhancers and topologically associating domains in the regulation of glioma grade-specific genes

Genome-wide studies have uncovered specific genetic alterations, transcriptomic patterns and epigenetic profiles associated with different glioma types. We have recently created a unique atlas encompassing genome-wide profiles of open chromatin, histone H3K27ac and H3Kme3 modifications, DNA methylation and transcriptomes of 33 glioma samples of different grades. Here, we intersected genome-wide atlas data with topologically associating domains (TADs) and demonstrated that the chromatin organization and epigenetic landscape of enhancers have a strong impact on genes differentially expressed in WHO low grade versus high grade gliomas. We identified TADs enriched in glioma grade-specific genes and/or epigenetic marks. We found the set of transcription factors, including REST, E2F1 and NFKB1, that are most likely to regulate gene expression in multiple TADs, containing specific glioma-related genes. Moreover, many genes associated with the cell–matrix adhesion Gene Ontology group, in particular 14 PROTOCADHERINs, were found to be regulated by long-range contacts with enhancers. Presented results demonstrate the existence of epigenetic differences associated with chromatin organization driving differential gene expression in gliomas of different malignancy.