3D Chromatin Rewiring During Melanoma Phenotypic Transition

Explore the role of 3D chromatin architecture in melanoma phenotypic plasticity through this hour-long seminar. Delve into the complexities of melanoma intra-tumor heterogeneity and its impact on cancer progression and therapy resistance. Examine how melanoma cells switch between different transcriptional states as an adaptive response to microenvironmental cues. Investigate the importance of the MITF transcription factor in melanoma phenotypes and the limitations of genetic studies in identifying drivers of phenotype transition. Learn about the hierarchical structures of chromatin folding in the nucleus and their impact on gene expression. Discover the findings from "all-vs-all" chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) profiling of melanoma cell lines, revealing differences in chromatin architecture between melanocytic and mesenchymal-like cells. Consider the potential role of mechanical pressure and microenvironmental stiffness in chromatin refolding and phenotypic transitions. Gain insights into ongoing research combining epigenetic and mechanical perturbations to understand the novel role of chromatin architecture in driving phenotypic state transitions in melanoma.