ChIP (Chromatin Immunoprecipitation) is a laboratory technique used to study the interactions between proteins and DNA within cells. It allows researchers to identify specific regions of the genome where proteins, such as transcription factors, bind to DNA. This is crucial for understanding gene regulation and cellular processes. The process involves cross-linking proteins to DNA, shearing the DNA into smaller fragments, and then using antibodies to isolate the protein-DNA complexes. After purification, the DNA can be analyzed through various methods, such as PCR or sequencing, to determine the binding sites of the proteins of interest.