Characterization of cell-type-specific DNA binding sites of plant transcription factors using chromatin immunoprecipitation

Abstract

The generation of diverse cell types in multicellular organisms often requires the activity of cell-type-specific transcription factors. Understanding where these transcription factors bind in controlling specific cellular programs is critical. However, probing these cell-type-specific factors in vivo with standard chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays remains a challenge. We have developed an optimized ChIP assay termed Maximized Objects for Better Enrichment (MOBE)-ChIP, which improves ChIP sensitivity and allows the detection of cell-type-specific signals at a genome-wide scale. Here, I describe the procedure for implementing this method for the study of plant transcription factors. Besides being useful for cell-type-specific studies, MOBE-ChIP can also be employed as a general strategy for enhancing ChIP signals.