Regulome

The regulome refers to the complete set of regulatory elements that control gene expression within a cell or an organism. It encompasses transcription factors, microRNAs, cis-regulatory elements (such as enhancers and promoters), epigenetic modifications, and other mechanisms that determine when, where, and to what extent genes are expressed.

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.

- 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.