Biology subjects

Chiereghin, C.

Publications and source records attributed to Chiereghin, C..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2024

Variant-to-function dissection of rare non-coding GWAS loci with high impact on blood traits

Understanding the function of genetic variants associated with human traits and diseases remains a significant challenge. Here we combined analyses based on natural genetic variation and genetic engineering to dissect the function of 94 non-coding variants associated with haematological traits. We describe 22 genetic variants impacting haematological variation through gene expression. Further, through in-depth functional analysis, we illustrate how a rare, non-coding variant near the CUX1 transcription factor impacts megakaryopoiesis through modulation of the CUX1 transcriptional cascade. Collectively, our findings enhance the functional interpretation of genetic association studies and advance understanding of how non-coding variants contribute to blood and immune system variation.

genetics↗

bioRxiv2020

Mutated clones driving leukemic transformation are already detectable at the single cell level in CD34-positive cells in the chronic phase of primary myelofibrosis

Disease progression of myeloproliferative neoplasms is the result of increased genomic complexity. Since the ability to predict disease evolution is crucial for clinical decision, we studied single cell genomics and transcriptomics of CD34-positive cells from a primary myelofibrosis (PMF) patient who progressed to acute myeloid Leukemia (AML) while receiving Ruxolitinib. Single cell genomics allowed the reconstruction of clonal hierarchy and demonstrated that TET2 was the first mutated gene while FLT3 was the last one. Disease evolution was accompanied by increased clonal heterogeneity and mutational rate, but clones carrying TP53 and FLT3 mutations were already present in chronic phase. Single cell transcriptomics unraveled repression of interferon signaling suggesting an immunosuppressive effect exerted by Ruxolitinib. Moreover, AML transformation was associated with a differentiative block and immune escape. These results suggest that single cell analysis can unmask tumor heterogeneity and provide meaningful insights about PMF progression that might guide personalized therapy.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2019

4q-D4Z4 chromatin architecture regulates the transcription of muscle atrophic genes in FSHD

Despite increasing insights in genome structure organization, the role of DNA repetitive elements, accounting for more than two thirds of the human genome, remains elusive. Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy (FSHD) is associated with deletion of D4Z4 repeat array below 11 units at 4q35.2. It is known that the deletion alters chromatin structure in cis, leading to genes upregulation. Here we show a genome-wide role of 4q-D4Z4 array in modulating gene expression via 3D nuclear contacts. We have developed an integrated strategy of 4q-D4Z4 specific 4C-seq and chromatin segmentation analyses, showing that 4q-D4Z4 3D interactome and chromatin states of interacting genes are impaired in FSHD1 condition; in particular, genes which have lost the 4q-D4Z4 interaction and with a more active chromatin state are enriched for muscle atrophy transcriptional signature. Expression level of these genes is restored by the interaction with an ectopic 4q-D4Z4 array, suggesting that the repeat directly modulates the transcription of contacted targets.\n\nOf note, the upregulation of atrophic genes is a common feature of several FSHD1 and FSHD2 patients, indicating that we have identified a core set of deregulated genes involved in FSHD pathophysiology.

genomics↗