GSE123198
Batf pioneers the reorganization of chromatin in developing effector T cells via Ets1-dependent recruitment of Ctcf [ChIP-seq]
We have examined mechanisms by which Batf acts to initiate gene transcription in developing effector CD4 T cells. We find that in addition to its pioneering function, Batf controls developmentally regulated recruitment of the chromatin architectural factor, Ctcf, to promote chromatin looping that is associated with transcription of lineage-specific genes. The chromatin organizing actions of Batf are largely Ets1-dependent, which appears to be indispensable for the Batf-dependent recruitment of Ctcf. Moreover, most of the Batf-dependent sites to which Ctcf is recruited lie outside of Ap-1–Irf composite elements (AICEs), indicating that direct involvement of Batf-Irf complexes is not required. Thus, we have identified a cooperative role for Batf, Ets1 and Ctcf in chromatin reorganization that underpins transcriptional programming of effector T cells. Overall design: Naive CD4+ T cells isolated from spleen/lymph nodes were activated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 with or without IL-6 or under Th17 culture conditions. Naive WT and BatfKO cells; D1 and D4 activated WT, BatfKO, and Ets1cKO (CD4 cKO) cells with or without IL-6 or under Th17 cell culture conditions.