Abstract
Here, we show that transcription factors bound to regulatory sequences can be identified by purifying these unique sequences directly from mammalian cells in vivo. Using targeted chromatin purification (TChP), a double-pull-down strategy with a tetracycline-sensitive "hook" bound to a specific promoter, we identify transcription factors bound to the repressed γ-globin gene-associated regulatory regions. After validation of the binding, we show that, in human primary erythroid cells, knockdown of a number of these transcription factors induces γ-globin gene expression. Reactivation of γ-globin gene expression ameliorates the symptoms of β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease, and these factors provide potential targets for the development of therapeutics for treating these patients.