super-enhancers

Super-enhancers are large clusters of regulatory DNA elements that drive the high-level expression of genes crucial for defining cell identity and function. They act like powerful switches, amplifying the activity of specific genes by gathering a concentration of proteins and other molecules that promote gene transcription. These regions are more extensive and have a stronger influence than typical enhancers, ensuring key genes are turned on efficiently. Super-enhancers play vital roles in development and can become dysregulated in diseases like cancer, making them important targets for research and potential therapies.