Spatial congregation of STAT binding directs selective nuclear architecture during T-cell functional differentiation

Selection of contact loci during Th1 differentiation favoring spatial clustering of STAT4 binding sites. A model depicts the transition of the subnuclear interactome of Ifng during Th1 differentiation. In the naive progenitor cells, Ifng is silenced and has promiscuous contacts. Th1-inducing cytokines activate STAT4, and the transcription factor binds to regulatory elements in the genome. Ifng interactome is reorganized predominantly by retaining and strengthening contacts that harbor STAT4 binding sites. The resulting subnuclear environment of Ifng in Th1 supports a high local concentration of STAT4 and other cooperating factors.