GSE107294
Bone density loci identified by genome-wide association studies segregate a lineage-specific PU.1-dependent gene regulatory network in osteoclasts [ChIP-seq]
Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have been instrumental in understanding complex phenotypic traits. However, they have rarely been used to understand lineage-specific pathways and functions that contribute to the trait. In this study, by integrating publicly available lineage-specific enhancers from mesenchymal and myeloid compartments with bone mineral density loci, we were able to segregate osteoblast- and osteoclast (OC)-specific functions. Specifically, in OCs, a PU.1-dependent transcription factor (TF) network was revealed. Further we conducted functional genomic analysis PU.1 and MITF genome wide binding with corresponding gene expression analysis which revealed a TF network essential for OC differentiation. Several of these TFs were regulated by cooperative binding of PU.1 with BRD4 to form superenhancers. Further, PU.1 is essential for conformational changes in the superenhancer region of Nfatc1. In summary, our study demonstrates that utilizing GWASs with genome-wide binding studies as a filter helps to decipher lineage-specific pathways contributing to complex disease states. Overall design: Analysis of MITF and PU.1 genomewide occupancy during murine osteoclast differntiation.