EMSA done...what would ChIP assay add - (Aug/29/2006 )

Hi all,

I have completed EMSA to show a specific transcription factor binds to specific site of the promoter of my gene of interest. It has been suggested that a ChIP assay would be a nice logical next step. Can someone please explain what a ChIP assay would add or refer me to some reading.

thanks,
JMP

The EMSA, as you know, provides you evidences that a specific protein can bind a specific sequence of DNA in certain conditions you chose. This doesn't tell you whether this happens or not in physiological conditions, i.e. in the cells. Moreover, the binding sequences on the endogenous DNA are not always exactly the ones you choose for your EMSA. Therefore ChIP can tell you whether your protein binds several target sequences in vivo