ATAC-Seq: A Powerful Tool for Studying Chromatin Accessibility in Development

Assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing, known as ATAC-seq, is a technique that utilizes the transposase enzyme Tn5 to cleave open regions of DNA and subsequently ligate specific adaptors, thereby reflecting accessible chromatin regions. It is a high-throughput sequencing-based technology for studying open chromatin regions. ATAC-seq technology allows for the construction of chromatin accessibility maps throughout the whole genome based on the characteristics of open chromatin, thus identifying transcription factors that are active in different cell subpopulations. In the field of basic medicine, ATAC-seq technology has been widely applied in studies on various species, including human embryonic development and mesenchymal stem cell differentiation. This article provides a comprehensive review of the advantages of ATAC-seq technology and its applications and prospects in developmental research, aiming to provide guidance and reference for research on human cells, embryonic development, and related areas.