Progress in genetic mechanisms of chromatin 3D structure and gene regulatory networks in pediatric metabolic disorders

GAO Jianfang; SHAN Xiaoyu; GUO Xirong

doi:10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-0302

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Chinese Journal of Child Health Care ›› 2025, Vol. 33 ›› Issue (10) : 1082-1085. DOI: 10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-0302

Pediatric Metabolic Diseases Column

Progress in genetic mechanisms of chromatin 3D structure and gene regulatory networks in pediatric metabolic disorders

GAO Jianfang¹, SHAN Xiaoyu², GUO Xirong¹

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Abstract

Gene expression is not solely determined by coding sequences but is also regulated by non-coding cis-regulatory elements.As a key epigenetic factor, the dynamic organization of chromatin in three-dimensional (3D) space plays a critical role in the onset and progression of disease.The 3D genome architecture enables distal cis-regulatory elements, such as promoters and enhancers, to be spatially juxtaposed, thereby orchestrating gene expression in essential metabolic pathways, including insulin secretion, adipocyte differentiation, and energy metabolism.This review summarizes the fundamental characteristics of chromatin 3D structure and highlights recent advances in its role in pediatric metabolic diseases.Particular attention is given to its regulatory mechanisms in obesity, diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.Understanding the interplay between 3D genome organization and gene regulation provides novel insights into the molecular basis of pediatric metabolic diseases.

Key words

chromatin 3D structure / three-dimensional genomics / gene expression regulation / pediatric metabolic diseases / Hi-C

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GAO Jianfang, SHAN Xiaoyu, GUO Xirong. Progress in genetic mechanisms of chromatin 3D structure and gene regulatory networks in pediatric metabolic disorders[J]. Chinese Journal of Child Health Care. 2025, 33(10): 1082-1085 https://doi.org/10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-0302

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