ATAC-seq (Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin using sequencing)

ATAC-seq is a technique used to identify active regions of the genome by detecting accessible DNA. It employs an engineered enzyme called transposase, which inserts sequencing adapters specifically into open, loosely packed areas of chromatin—where DNA is not tightly wound around proteins. These accessible regions often indicate areas involved in gene regulation. After this tagging, the DNA fragments are sequenced, and the data reveal the location of open chromatin across the genome. This helps scientists understand how genes are controlled and which parts of the genome are active in different cell types or states.