Wellington-bootstrap: Differential DNase-seq footprinting identifies cell-type determining transcription factors

Abstract

Background: The analysis of differential gene expression is a fundamental tool to relate gene regulation with specific biological processes. Differential binding of transcription factors (TFs) can drive differential gene expression. While DNase-seq data can provide global snapshots of TF binding, tools for detecting differential binding from pairs of DNase-seq data sets are lacking. Results: In order to link expression changes with changes in TF binding we introduce the concept of differential footprinting alongside a computational tool. We demonstrate that differential footprinting is associated with differential gene expression and can be used to define cell types by their specific TF occupancy patterns. Conclusions: Our new tool, Wellington-bootstrap, will enable the detection of differential TF binding facilitating the study of gene regulatory systems.