What are locus control regions(LCRs) and what is their function ?

Locus control regions (LCRs) are located at the 5′ end of a chromosomal domain and typically consist of multiple DNAse hypersensitive sites. LCRs regulate gene clusters. LCRs usually regulate loci that show complex developmental or cell-type specific patterns of gene expression. LCRs control the transcription of target genes in the locus by direct interactions, forming looped structures.