Structural and functional basis of PU.1-BAF interaction enables targeting of lineage-specific transcription [RNA-seq]

Transcription factors (TFs) regulate gene expression by engaging chromatin remodeling complexes, yet the structural principles governing these critical interactions remain poorly defined. Here, we uncover the molecular mechanism by which lineage-specific pioneer transcription factor PU.1 (encoded by SPI1) directly engages the BAF (mSWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex. First, using a variety of genomic approaches, we establish that BAF collaborates with PU.1 to regulate transcription in AML cells. Then, using a combination of biochemistry and biophysics, mass spectrometry-based protein footprinting, and crystallography, we map the PU.1-BAF60A interface to a disordered region of PU.1 that adopts a helical conformation upon binding to the YEATS-like domain of BAF60A. Disruption of this functionally critical interface via knockdown abrogates the ability of PU.1 to rescue cell viability. Finally, we conducted a high-throughput screen that yielded small molecules which selectively bind BAF60A and disrupt PU.1 binding. Co-crystal structures reveal distinct compound binding modes that converge on a critical PU.1-BAF60A interaction hotspot. These findings define, for the first time, the structural interface between a pioneer transcription factor and the BAF complex and establish a platform that enables targeting transcription factor-chromatin remodeling complex interactions in cancer.