Dynamic chromatin organization: Role in development and disease

The spatial organization of chromatin in the nucleus is important for proper regulation of gene expression. The cell-type specific transcription program is mainly controlled by distal regulatory elements, which can dynamically engage in long-range interactions with their target genes. These long-range interactions mostly occur within insulated genomic domains and are constrained by global organization of the chromatin, providing an extra layer of regulation. Genetic alterations can lead to disruption of spatial organization and consequently aberrant gene expression. In this review we will discuss the multiple layers of chromatin organization, how this organization changes during development and how its disruption can lead do aberrant gene expression and disease.