Mapping Chromatin Interactions by Chromosome Conformation Capture

Chromosome conformation capture (3C) is one of the only techniques that allows for analysis of an intermediate level of chromosome structure ranging from a few to hundreds of kilobases, a level most relevant for gene regulation. The 3C technique is used to detect physical interactions between sequence elements that are located on the same or on different chromosomes. For instance, physical interactions between distant enhancers and target genes can be measured. The 3C assay uses formaldehyde cross-linking to trap connections between chromatin segments that can, after a number of manipulations, be detected by PCR. This unit describes detailed protocols for performing 3C with yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and mammalian cells.