Pivotal Role of the NuRD Complex in Remodeling Chromatin Environment and Maintaining Genome Architecture at CTCF Sites [mESC ChIP-seq]

CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) is an evolutionarily conserved transcription factor with diverse regulatory roles. Around stable CTCF binding sites, nucleosomes are highly ordered and DNA methylation is reduced, yet the mechanisms establishing and maintaining this epigenetic environment remain unclear. Utilizing an innovative eBioID method, we identified that virtually all subunits of the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex are associated with CTCF in cells. Further analyses revealed that the NuRD complex is necessary for the chromatin binding of CTCF, and emerges as a novel regulator of the genome architecture. Additionally, we discovered that MBD3-NuRD facilitates the recruitment of TET demethylases to CTCF sites, initiating local DNA demethylation essential for the activation of adjacent gene expression. Embryonic stem cells deficient in the NuRD complex showed impaired lineage commitment. In summary, this study elucidates a mechanism illustrating the interplay between CTCF binding and the epigenome including 3D genome organization and DNA methylation, with the NuRD complex serving as an indispensable mediator.