====== Regulome ====== The **regulome** refers to the complete set of regulatory elements that control [[gene expression]] within a [[cell]] or an [[organism]]. It encompasses **[[transcription factor]]s, [[microRNA]]s, cis-regulatory elements (such as [[enhancer]]s and [[promoter]]s), epigenetic modifications**, and other mechanisms that determine when, where, and to what extent genes are expressed. ===== Components of the Regulome ===== 1. **Transcription Factors (TFs)** – Proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences to activate or repress gene transcription. 2. **Cis-Regulatory Elements** – DNA sequences such as enhancers, promoters, and silencers that influence the transcription of nearby genes. 3. **Epigenetic Modifications** – Chemical changes to DNA or histones, such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation, that affect gene expression without altering the genetic sequence. 4. **Non-Coding RNAs** – Includes microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. 5. **Chromatin Structure and 3D Genome Organization** – The spatial arrangement of DNA within the nucleus can affect gene accessibility and regulation. ===== Significance of the Regulome ===== - Plays a crucial role in **development, differentiation, and cellular responses**. - Involved in **disease mechanisms**, particularly in cancer, neurological disorders, and autoimmune diseases. - Understanding the regulome is essential for **precision medicine** and the development of targeted therapies.