ZFP281 coordinates DNMT3 and TET1 in pluripotent state transitions [ChIP-seq]
The progression and transition between the naïve, formative, and primed pluripotent states are accompanied by a sharp activation of the de novo DNA methyltransferases and the reorganization of transcriptional and epigenetic landscapes. Here we identified Zinc Finger Protein 281 (ZFP281) as an essential factor in the formative-to-primed pluripotent state transition. Using a knockout mouse model and a knockin degron cell system, we revealed that transcription of Dnmt3a/3b depends on the activity of ZFP281 in embryonic stem cells, epiblast-like cells, and epiblast stem cells. Mechanically, chromatin-bound ZFP281 and DNA hydroxylase TET1 are decreased in the formative state but recovered in the primed state to compete with DNMT3A/3B for establishing the DNA methylation and gene expression programs of primed pluripotency. In addition, chromatin occupancy of ZFP281 and TET1 depend on the R-loop structures formed at the ZFP281 target gene promoters devoid of DNA methylation. Our study demonstrates a comprehensive role of ZFP281 in modulating DNA methylation and demethylation for the establishment and maintenance of primed pluripotency. Overall design: ChIP-seq of ZFP281 and TET1 in pluripotent stem cells