Epigenomic landscapes of retinal rods and cones

• DOI: 10.7554/elife.11613
• Publication Date: 2016-03-07T09:59:43Z
• Authors: Alisa Mo; Chongyuan Luo; Fred P Davis; Eran A Mukamel; Gilbert L Henry; Joseph R Nery; Mark A Urich; Serge Picard; Ryan Lister; Sean R Eddy; Michael A Beer; Joseph R Ecker; Jeremy Nathans
• Keywords: Epigenomics

Rod and cone photoreceptors are highly similar in many respects but they have important functional molecular differences. Here, we investigate genome-wide patterns of DNA methylation chromatin accessibility mouse rods cones correlate differences these features with gene expression, histone marks, transcription factor binding, sequence motifs. Loss NR2E3 shifts their epigenomes to a more cone-like state. The data further reveal wide between retinal brain neurons. Surprisingly, also find substantial fraction hypo-methylated regions adult that not active chromatin. Many exhibit hallmarks regulatory were earlier neuronal development, suggesting could remain undermethylated due the compact mature rods. This work defines epigenomic landscapes cones, revealing relevant photoreceptor development function.