4D genome rewiring during oncogene-induced and replicative senescence
To understand the role of the extensive senescence-associated 3D genome reorganization, we generated genome-wide chromatin interaction maps, epigenome, replication-timing, whole-genome bisulfite sequencing, and gene expression profiles from cells entering replicative senescence (RS) or upon oncogene-induced senescence (OIS). We identify senescence-associated heterochromatin domains (SAHDs). Differential intra- versus inter-SAHD interactions lead to the formation of senescence-associated heterochromatin foci (SAHFs) in OIS but not in RS. This OIS-specific configuration brings active genes located in genomic regions adjacent to SAHDs in close spatial proximity and favors their expression. We also identify DNMT1 as a factor that induces SAHFs by promoting HMGA2 expression. Upon DNMT1 depletion, OIS cells transition to a 3D genome conformation akin to that of cells in replicative senescence. These data show how multi-omics and imaging can identify critical features of RS and OIS and discover determinants of acute senescence and SAHF formation. ; Work at the M.A.M.-R. lab was supported by the European Research Council under the 7th Framework Program FP7/2007-2013 (ERC grant agreement 609989), the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement 676556), the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (BFU2017-85926-P), and the Agència de Gestió d'Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca, AGAUR (SGR468). Work at CRG, BIST, and UPF was in part funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, ''Centro de Excelencia Severo Ochoa 2013-2017'' (SEV-2012-0208), and ''Centro de Excelencia María de Maeztu 2016-2019.'' This article/publication is based upon work from COST Action CA18127, supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology)