Hi-C calibration by chemically induced chromosomal interactions

The genome-wide chromosome conformation capture method, Hi-C, has greatly advanced our understanding of genome organization. However, its quantitative properties, including sensitivity, bias, and linearity, remain challenging to assess. Measuring these properties in vivo is difficult due to the heterogenous and dynamic nature of chromosomal interactions. Here, using Chemically Induced Chromosomal Interaction (CICI) method, we create stable intra- and inter-chromosomal interactions in G1-phase budding yeast across a broad range of contact frequencies. Hi-C analysis of these engineered cell populations demonstrates that static intra-chromosomal loops do not generate Topologically Associated Domains (TADs) and only promote 3D proximity within 10-60 kb flanking regions. At moderate sequencing depth, Hi-C is sensitive enough to detect interactions occurring in 5-10% of cells. It also shows no inherent bias toward intra- versus inter-chromosomal interactions. Furthermore, we observe a linear relationship between Hi-C signal intensity and contact frequency. These findings illuminate the intrinsic properties of the Hi-C assay and provide a robust framework for its calibration.