Delta integrates 3D physical structure with topology and genomic data of chromosomes

Abstract

MotivationThe regulation of gene transcription and DNA replication are tightly associated with the 3D chromosomal structures and genomic features, e.g. epigenetic marks, transcription factor bindings and non-coding RNAs. The interaction between the features and the chromosomal structures forming a multilayer 3D regulatory network. Therefore, it is necessary to integrate the physical 3D architecture of genome and features to comprehensive depict their connection to gene regulation.\n\nResultsHere, we present an integrative visualization and analysis platform, Delta, to facilitate visually annotating and exploring the 3D physical architecture of genomes. Delta takes Hi-C or ChIA-PET contact matrix as input and predicts the topology associated domains and chromatin loops in the genome, and generates a physical 3D model which represents the plausible consensus 3D structure of the genome. Delta features a highly interactive visualization tool, which enhanced the integration of genome topology/physical structure and extensive genome annotation, by juxtaposition of the 3D model with diverse genomic assay outputs. Finally, we showcased that Delta could be helpful to reveal potentially interesting findings by a case study on the {beta}-globin gene region.\n\nAvailability and implementationhttp://delta.big.ac.cn/.\n\nContacttangbx@big.ac.cn.\n\nSupplementary informationSupplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.